A Key Role of Insulin Receptors in Memory

摘要

Since the discovery of insulin in 1922, the skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and liver are traditionally regarded as key insulin-sensitive organs. Evidence of insulin actions in the brain emerged more recently, approximately 35 years ago, with studies showing that the hypothalamic actions of insulin regulate peripheral energy homeostasis (reviewed in). Interestingly, insulin receptors were also detected in high densities in other brain regions, suggesting that insulin's role in the central nervous system (CNS) extends beyond hypothalamic control of energy homeostasis.