Insulin activates ATP-sensitive K+ channels in hypothalamic neurons of lean, but not obese rats

D Spanswick; M A Smith; S Mirshamsi; V H Routh; M L Ashford

doi:10.1038/77660

Insulin activates ATP-sensitive K+ channels in hypothalamic neurons of lean, but not obese rats

Nat Neurosci. 2000 Aug;3(8):757-8. doi: 10.1038/77660.

Authors

D Spanswick¹, M A Smith, S Mirshamsi, V H Routh, M L Ashford

Affiliation

¹ Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Centre for Energy Regulation and Obesity, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.

PMID: 10903566
DOI: 10.1038/77660

Abstract

Insulin and leptin receptors are present in hypothalamic regions that control energy homeostasis, and these hormones reduce food intake and body weight in lean, but not obese, Zucker rats. Here we demonstrate that insulin, like leptin, hyperpolarizes lean rat hypothalamic glucose-responsive (GR) neurons by opening KATP channels. These findings suggest hypothalamic K ATP channel function is crucial to physiological regulation of food intake and body weight.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adenosine Triphosphate / pharmacology*
Animals
Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus / physiology
Glucose / pharmacology
Hypothalamus / physiology*
Hypothalamus / physiopathology
In Vitro Techniques
Insulin / pharmacology*
Leptin / pharmacology
Membrane Potentials / drug effects
Neurons / physiology*
Obesity / genetics
Obesity / physiopathology*
Patch-Clamp Techniques
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
Potassium Channels / drug effects
Potassium Channels / physiology*
Rats
Rats, Zucker
Thinness
Tolbutamide / pharmacology

Substances

Insulin
Leptin
Potassium Channels
Adenosine Triphosphate
Tolbutamide
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
Glucose