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Updated: May 14, 2026

Studying the Hypothalamic Insulin Signal to Peripheral Glucose Intolerance with a Continuous Drug Infusion System into the Mouse Brain
Published on: January 4, 2018
Brain insulin and leptin signaling in metabolic control: from animal research to clinical application
Thomas Scherer1, Hendrik Lehnert, Manfred Hallschmid
1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria. thomas.scherer@meduniwien.ac.at
Abstract:
Besides the well-characterized effects of brain insulin and leptin in regulating food intake, insulin and leptin signaling to the central nervous system modulates a variety of metabolic processes, such as glucose and lipid homeostasis, as well as energy expenditure. This review summarizes the current literature on the contribution of central nervous insulin and leptin action to metabolic control in animals and humans. Potential therapeutic options based on the direct delivery of these peptides to the brain by, for example, intranasal administration, are discussed.
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