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Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion01:27

Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion

The pancreatic islets comprising only 1%-2% of the volume are highly vascularized and innervated mini-organs. They contain five endocrine cell types, including β cells that secrete insulin, which is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain, preproinsulin, processed to proinsulin, and finally to insulin and C-peptide. This process is complex and regulated, involving the Golgi complex, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the secretory granules of the β cell.
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Insulin action is mediated through a receptor tyrosine kinase, akin to the IGF-1 receptor. The number of receptors per cell varies significantly, from 40 on erythrocytes to 300,000 on adipocytes and hepatocytes. The insulin receptor consists of linked α/β subunit dimers, forming a heterotetramer glycoprotein with two extracellular α subunits and two β subunits spanning the membrane. The α subunits inhibit the inherent tyrosine kinase activity of the β subunits, but this inhibition is released...
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Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
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Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
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The Blood-brain Barrier00:49

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Precise Visualization of Insulin Receptors A and B in Murine Brain with an RNA In Situ Hybridization Assay
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Insulin in the brain: sources, localization and functions.

Rasoul Ghasemi1, Ali Haeri, Leila Dargahi

  • 1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Molecular Neurobiology
|September 8, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Insulin plays a crucial role in brain function, impacting food intake, memory, and neuroprotection. Research highlights insulin

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolism

Background:

  • Insulin's primary role in peripheral glucose homeostasis is well-established.
  • The brain was historically considered insulin-insensitive due to independent glucose uptake.
  • Recent evidence shows insulin presence and insulin receptors (IRs) in the brain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the sources, localization, and functions of insulin within the brain.
  • To explore the neurophysiological roles of brain insulin.
  • To discuss insulin's neuroprotective potential.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on insulin in the central nervous system.
  • Analysis of research on insulin receptor expression and distribution.
  • Synthesis of findings on insulin's effects on neurophysiology and neuroprotection.

Main Results:

  • Insulin is present in the brain from both peripheral and central sources.
  • Insulin receptors (IRs) are expressed in various central nervous system tissues.
  • Insulin regulates food intake, weight, reproduction, cognition, and memory.

Conclusions:

  • Insulin has significant neurophysiological functions in the brain.
  • Insulin exhibits neuromodulatory and neurotrophic effects, promoting cell growth and survival.
  • Insulin shows promise for neuroprotection against conditions like apoptosis, oxidative stress, and ischemia.