Abstract
Ion channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability and synaptic function in the brain. Recent evidence suggests that ion channels expressed by neurons within the brain are responsible for regulating energy and glucose homeostasis. In addition, the central effects of neurotransmitters and hormones are at least in part achieved by modifications of ion channel activity. This review focuses on ion channels and their neuronal functions followed by a discussion of the identified roles for specific ion channels in the central pathways regulating food intake, energy expenditure, and glucose balance.
Highlights
Energy and glucose homeostasis is tightly regulated by mechanisms within the central nervous system (CNS) (Williams and Elmquist, 2012)
GABAA receptors are responsible for the fast inhibitory inputs (IPSCs) from neuropeptide Y (NPY)/agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and other GABAergic neurons (Cowley et al, 2001; Vong et al, 2011)
These GABAergic neurons are modulated by leptin and ghrelin and the changes in inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) recorded on arcuate POMC neurons may represent indirect effects of these hormones (Cowley et al, 2003; Pinto et al, 2004; Tong et al, 2008; Vong et al, 2011)
Summary
Division of Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. Reviewed by: Masoud Ghamari-langroudi, Vanderbilt University, USA Xingxing Kong, Harvard Medical School, USA Hongxia Ren, Columbia University, USA. Ion channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability and synaptic function in the brain. Recent evidence suggests that ion channels expressed by neurons within the brain are responsible for regulating energy and glucose homeostasis. The central effects of neurotransmitters and hormones are at least in part achieved by modifications of ion channel activity. This review focuses on ion channels and their neuronal functions followed by a discussion of the identified roles for specific ion channels in the central pathways regulating food intake, energy expenditure, and glucose balance
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
