Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Live Images of GLUT4 Protein Trafficking in Mouse Primary Hypothalamic Neurons Using Deconvolution Microscopy
Published on: December 7, 2017
Hyperinsulinemia provokes synchronous increases in central inflammation and beta-amyloid in normal adults
Mark A Fishel1, G Stennis Watson, Thomas J Montine
1Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.
Background:
Inflammation has been implicated as a pathogenetic factor in Alzheimer disease, possibly via effects on beta-amyloid (Abeta). Hyperinsulinemia induces inflammation and is a risk factor for Alzheimer disease. Thus, insulin abnormalities may contribute to Alzheimer disease pathophysiology through effects on the inflammatory network.
Objectives:
To determine the effects of induced hyperinsulinemia with euglycemia on Abeta, transthyretin, and inflammatory markers and modulators in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Design:
Randomized crossover trial.
Setting:
Veterans Affairs hospital clinical research unit.
Participants:
Sixteen healthy adults ranging from 55 to 81 years of age (mean age, 68.2 years).
Interventions:
On separate mornings, fasting participants received randomized infusions of saline or insulin (1.0 mU.kg(-1).min(-1)) with variable dextrose levels to maintain euglycemia, achieving plasma insulin levels typical of insulin resistance. Plasma and CSF were collected after an approximately 105-minute infusion.
Main Outcome Measures:
Plasma and CSF levels of interleukin 1alpha, interleukin 1beta, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, F2-isoprostane (CSF only), Abeta, norepinephrine, transthyretin, and apolipoprotein E.
Results:
Insulin increased CSF levels of F2-isoprostane and cytokines (both P<.01), as well as plasma and CSF levels of Abeta42 (both P<.05). The changes in CSF levels of Abeta42 were predicted by increased F2-isoprostane and cytokine levels (both P<.01) and reduced transthyretin levels (P = .02). Increased inflammation was modulated by insulin-induced changes in CSF levels of norepinephrine and apolipoprotein E (both P<.05).
Conclusion:
Moderate hyperinsulinemia can elevate inflammatory markers and Abeta42 in the periphery and the brain, thereby potentially increasing the risk of Alzheimer disease.
More Related Videos
08:32Studying the Hypothalamic Insulin Signal to Peripheral Glucose Intolerance with a Continuous Drug Infusion System into the Mouse Brain
Published on: January 4, 2018
08:13Study of In Vivo Glucose Metabolism in High-fat Diet-fed Mice Using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT)
Published on: January 7, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Insulin Secretory Vesicles
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology