Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 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
Abstract:
Insulin initiates its action by binding to a glycoprotein receptor on the surface of the cell. This receptor consists of an alpha-subunit, which binds the hormone, and a beta-subunit, which is an insulin-stimulated, tyrosine-specific protein kinase. Activation of this kinase is believed to generate a signal that eventually results in insulin's action on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. The growth-promoting effects of insulin appear to occur through activation of receptors for the family of related insulin-like growth factors. Both genetic and acquired abnormalities in the number of insulin receptors, the activity of the receptor kinase, and the various post-receptor steps in insulin action occur in disease states leading to tissue resistance to insulin action.
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...
Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
Short-acting insulins are divided into rapid-acting...

