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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Studying the Hypothalamic Insulin Signal to Peripheral Glucose Intolerance with a Continuous Drug Infusion System into the Mouse Brain

Studying the Hypothalamic Insulin Signal to Peripheral Glucose Intolerance with a Continuous Drug Infusion System into the Mouse Brain

Published on: January 4, 2018

Insulin and the brain.

Fatemeh Derakhshan¹, Cory Toth

¹Department of Clinical Neurosciences, the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the University of Calgary, AB, Canada. fatemeh.derakhshan@gmail.com

Current Diabetes Reviews

|December 13, 2012

Summary

Insulin plays a crucial role in brain function, impacting cognition and neuronal health. Intranasal insulin delivery offers a promising, non-invasive method for treating neurological disorders.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Endocrinology
Pharmacology

Background:

Insulin, primarily known for glucose regulation, significantly impacts brain function as a neuromodulator.
The brain expresses insulin receptors in key regions like the hypothalamus and hippocampus, influencing neuronal development and cognitive processes.
Impaired insulin signaling is linked to various neurological disorders, highlighting its importance in brain health.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the multifaceted roles of insulin within the brain.
To explore endogenous and exogenous methods of insulin delivery to the brain.
To evaluate intranasal insulin delivery as a safe and effective alternative for neurological conditions.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on insulin's role in the brain.

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Last Updated: May 16, 2026

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Published on: January 4, 2018

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Analysis of insulin receptor distribution and signaling pathways.

Comparison of invasive (ICV, intraparenchymal) versus non-invasive (intranasal) delivery methods.

Main Results:

Insulin receptor signaling is vital for neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive functions like memory and attention.
Invasive brain insulin delivery methods carry significant risks, including surgical complications and hypoglycemia.
Intranasal insulin delivery demonstrates potential for targeted brain delivery, minimizing systemic exposure and offering therapeutic hope.

Conclusions:

Insulin is a critical neuromodulator with widespread effects on brain function and health.
Intranasal insulin delivery presents a safe and effective strategy for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative and neurovascular disorders.
Further research into intranasal insulin holds promise for advancing treatments for brain diseases.