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Review
. 2013 Dec 6;288(49):34981-8.
doi: 10.1074/jbc.R113.506782. Epub 2013 Oct 18.

Evidence for central regulation of glucose metabolism

Michelle Carey  1 , Sylvia Kehlenbrink, Meredith Hawkins
Affiliations
Review

Evidence for central regulation of glucose metabolism

Michelle Carey et al. J Biol Chem. .

Abstract

Evidence for central regulation of glucose homeostasis is accumulating from both animal and human studies. Central nutrient and hormone sensing in the hypothalamus appears to coordinate regulation of whole body metabolism. Central signals activate ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, thereby down-regulating glucose production, likely through vagal efferent signals. Recent human studies are consistent with this hypothesis. The contributions of direct and central inputs to metabolic regulation are likely of comparable magnitude, with somewhat delayed central effects and more rapid peripheral effects. Understanding central regulation of glucose metabolism could promote the development of novel therapeutic approaches for such metabolic conditions as diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: Brain; Central Nervous System; Glucose Metabolism; Hypothalamus; Insulin; Lipid Metabolism.

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Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Schematic representation of brain-liver signaling. Hypothalamic KATP channels are activated or inhibited by a variety of nutritional and hormonal signals (inset), ultimately modulating hepatic glucose production via vagal efferent signals.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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