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

Nature Neuroscience volume 3, pages 757–758 (2000)Cite this article

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 KATP channel function is crucial to physiological regulation of food intake and body weight.

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Figure 1: Insulin or glucose removal inhibits hypothalamic neurons via KATP channels.
Figure 2: Insulin and leptin act on the same neurons via PI3 kinase.

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Acknowledgements

The Wellcome Trust (grant no. 042726) and Pharmacia & Upjohn supported this work. S.M. is a Pharmacia & Upjohn student, and M.A.S. is a Wellcome Trust Prize student.

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Author notes

  1. V. H. Routh

    Present address: Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, New Jersey Medical School, University Heights, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, New Jersey, 07103-2714, USA

Authors and Affiliations

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

    D. Spanswick, M. A. Smith, S. Mirshamsi, V. H. Routh & M. L. J. Ashford

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  1. D. Spanswick
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  2. M. A. Smith
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  3. S. Mirshamsi
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  5. M. L. J. Ashford
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Correspondence to M. L. J. Ashford.

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Spanswick, D., Smith, M., Mirshamsi, S. et al. Insulin activates ATP-sensitive K+ channels in hypothalamic neurons of lean, but not obese rats. Nat Neurosci 3, 757–758 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/77660

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