Primary objective: The anaerobic mobilization of astrocyte glycogen in anoxic-ischemic regions of the oedematous human cerebral cortex is analysed. Methods and procedures: Seventeen cortical biopsies of patients with brain trauma, brain tumours and congenital malformations were examined by conventional transmission electron microscopy. Results: Glycogen-rich and glycogen-depleted, clear or dense astrocytes cell bodies were observed in anoxic ischaemic regions of different brain cortical areas in perineuronal, neuropilar and perivascular localization. Glycogen-rich astrocytes showed clear or moderately dense cytoplasm and accumulation of both g -type or monogranular glycogen granules and f -type or multigranular glycogen particles. Focal regions of translucent cytoplasm were observed in areas of glycogen degradation. Glycogendepleted astrocytes exhibited a clear cytoplasm and scarce amount or absence of g -type glycogen granules. Coexisting glycogen-rich and glycogen-depleted neuropilar astrocytic processes were observed in the vicinity of degenerated myelinated axons and degenerated axodendritic contacts. Glycogen-rich and glycogen-depleted perivascular astrocytic processes were also found surrounding injured and collapsed cerebral capillaries. Conclusion: The findings suggest astrocytic glycogen mobilization during anoxic and ischaemic conditions, revealing the important contribution of astrocytes on neuronal survival under conditions of energy substrate limitations.