Functional identification of a neurocircuit regulating blood glucose

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1521160113
• Publication Date: 2016-03-22T03:56:21Z
• Authors: Thomas H. Meek; Jarrell T. Nelson; Miles E. Matsen; Mauricio D. Dorfman; Stephan J. Guyenet; Vincent Damian; Margaret B. Allison; Jarrad M. Scarlett; Hong T. Nguyen; Joshua P. Thaler; David P. Olson; Martin G. Myers; Michael W. Schwartz; Gregory J. Morton
• Keywords: Lateral parabrachial nucleus

Significance Hypoglycemia is an important and frequently encountered complication of diabetes treatment. Here, we identify a subset neurons located in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, activation which both necessary sufficient to mediate adaptive counterregulatory responses hypoglycemia that return low blood glucose levels into normal range. These receive ascending input from lateral parabrachial nucleus turn control via projections anterior bed stria terminalis. Together, this work identifies previously unrecognized functional neurocircuit involved glycemic control.