Role of Insulin in Cognitive Functions of the Central Nervous System

• Main Authors: Saeideh Davari, Parham Reisi
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: Vesnu Publications 2013-05-01
• Series: مجله دانشکده پزشکی اصفهان
• Subjects: Insulin; Central nervous system; Learning; Memory; Diabetes
• Online Access: http://jims.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jims/article/view/2298

It was previously believed that insulin only has environmental performance and is not capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier or affecting the central nervous system. However, it is now clear that insulin and its receptors are present in the central nervous system. This hormone not only passes the blood-brain barrier, but may also be synthesized by neurons in the brain. As a neuropeptide, insulin is involved in the development and function of the nervous system. Deficiency of this hormone or dysfunction of its central receptors causes serious damage to cognitive processes including learning and memory. Such effects might be due to the non-metabolic effects of insulin. This study reviewed the role of insulin in neuronal processes.