Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2006; 114 - H1
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-954676

Role of brain insulin receptor and control of body weight and reproduction

JC Bruening 1
  • 1Department of Mouse Genetics and Metabolism, Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, Germany

Insulin provides a negative regulatory feedback mechanism to sense nutrient excess and to communicate this information to the central nervous system, particularly in the hypothalamus. In this critical brain region for maintenance of energy homeostasis insulin signaling is integrated in a neuronal network influenced by multiple other hormones and also directly by nutrients. The presentation will focus on the mechanisms by which insulin directly and indirectly alters the activity of these networks by influencing neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity.