ScienceAugust 16, 2026

pyruvate

PY-roo-vayt

Definition

A key organic compound and chemical intermediate produced by astrocytes that serves as a precursor for the brain to generate cellular energy (ATP).

Etymology

The word is a chemical formation combining the term 'pyro-' (from Greek 'pyr', meaning fire) and the suffix '-uvic' or '-uvate' denoting an acid derivative, originally identified through the study of organic acids.

In the news

In this article, researchers measured pyruvate levels in astrocytes to understand how energy substrates are distributed within the brain during different sleep states.

Scientists uncover an energy paradox in the brain during REM sleep

Read the full article ↗

PsyPost

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