[Insulin receptor and postreceptor disorders: significance for the development and therapy of carbohydrate metabolic...

The last decade has witnessed an explosion in our knowledge of the role of hormonal and neurotransmitter receptors in biological processes. The understanding gained of the interaction of insulin with its receptor has led to the recognition of receptor and postreceptor defects in various insulin resistant states. The purpose of this review is to summarize the actual state of knowledge concerning physiology and pathophysiology of insulin receptors and to relate these data to the role of insulin resistance in various pathological and non-physiological states. In addition, postreceptor abnormalities in a variety of disorders are reviewed. A number of possibilities for therapeutic intervention in insulin resistant states according to the specific underlying mechanism are described.