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Some classifications of neurotransmitters, namely [[Neurotransmitters_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Small-molecule_Neurotransmitters|small-molecule neurotransmitters]] are reabsorbed and subsequently recycled. Astrocytes are represent an element of the system that enables this neurotransmitter re-uptake. Astrocytes are able to effectively isolate synapses an control their potassium levels as well as expressing several types of transporter for the numerous types of neurotransmitters, including glutamate, ATP and GABA. Glutamate is particularly well taken up, and converted to glutamine using glutamine synthase. The role played in controlling potassium ion concentrations within the extracellular spaces involves astrocytes releasing K⁺  when neurons are active, increasing the local extracellular K⁺ concentration. Astrocytes have a high density of K⁺ channels, allowing them to rapidly clear the excess accumulation in the extracellular space. If this function fails extracellular K⁺ concentration rises leading to neuronal depolarisation, and may be a cause of epilepsy.

Some classifications of neurotransmitters, namely [[Neurotransmitters_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Small-molecule_Neurotransmitters|small-molecule neurotransmitters]] are reabsorbed and subsequently recycled. Astrocytes represent an element of the system that enables this neurotransmitter re-uptake. Astrocytes are able to effectively isolate synapses and control their potassium levels as well as expressing several types of transporter for the numerous types of neurotransmitters, including glutamate, ATP and GABA. Glutamate is particularly well taken up, and converted to glutamine using glutamine synthase. The role played in controlling potassium ion concentrations within the extracellular spaces involves astrocytes releasing K⁺  when neurons are active, increasing the local extracellular K⁺ concentration. Astrocytes have a high density of K⁺ channels, allowing them to rapidly clear the excess accumulation in the extracellular space. If this function fails extracellular K⁺ concentration rises leading to neuronal depolarisation, and may be a cause of epilepsy.

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