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Abstract

Astrocytes are a diverse and heterogeneous type of glial cells. The major task of grey and white matter areas in the brain are
computation of information at neuronal synapses and propagation of action potentials along axons, respectively, resulting
in diverse demands for astrocytes. Adapting their function to the requirements in the local environment, astrocytes differ in
morphology, gene expression, metabolism, and many other properties. Here we review the differential properties of proto‑
plasmic astrocytes of grey matter and fibrous astrocytes located in white matter in respect to glutamate and energy metabo‑
lism, to their function at the blood–brain interface and to coupling via gap junctions. Finally, we discuss how this astrocytic
heterogeneity might contribute to the different susceptibility of grey and white matter to ischemic insults.