Neural circuits in the brain, primarily in the hypothalamus, are paramount to the homeostatic control of feeding and energy utilization. They integrate hunger, satiety, and body adiposity cues from the periphery and mediate the appropriate behavioral and physiological responses to satisfy the energy demands of the animal. Notably, perturbations in central homeostatic circuits have been linked to the etiology of excessive feeding and obesity. Considering the ever-changing energy requirements of the animal and required adaptations, it is not surprising that brain-feeding circuits remain plastic in adulthood and are subject to changes in synaptic strength as a consequence of nutritional status. Indeed, synapse density, probability of presynaptic transmitter release, and postsynaptic responses in hypothalamic energy balance centers are tailored to behavioral and physiological responses required to sustain survival. Mounting evidence supports key roles of astrocytes facilitating some of this plasticity. Here we discuss these synaptic plasticity mechanisms and the emerging roles of astrocytes influencing energy and glucose balance control in health and disease.

中文翻译：

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突触可塑性和星形胶质细胞在中枢代谢回路中的作用

大脑中的神经回路（主要是下丘脑）对于进食和能量利用的稳态控制至关重要。它们整合来自外围的饥饿、饱腹感和身体肥胖信号，并调节适当的行为和生理反应，以满足动物的能量需求。值得注意的是，中枢稳态回路的扰动与过度进食和肥胖的病因有关。考虑到动物不断变化的能量需求和所需的适应，大脑喂养回路在成年后保持可塑性并且会因营养状况而发生突触强度的变化也就不足为奇了。事实上，下丘脑能量平衡中心的突触密度、突触前递质释放的概率和突触后反应都是根据维持生存所需的行为和生理反应而定制的。越来越多的证据支持星形胶质细胞在促进这种可塑性方面发挥的关键作用。在这里，我们讨论这些突触可塑性机制以及星形胶质细胞在健康和疾病中影响能量和葡萄糖平衡控制的新作用。