Frontiers in Neuroanatomy (Jul 2021)

Pancreas-Brain Crosstalk

  • Battuvshin Lkhagvasuren,
  • Onanong Mee-inta,
  • Zi-Wei Zhao,
  • Tetsuya Hiramoto,
  • Damdindorj Boldbaatar,
  • Yu-Min Kuo,
  • Yu-Min Kuo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnana.2021.691777
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

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The neural regulation of glucose homeostasis in normal and challenged conditions involves the modulation of pancreatic islet-cell function. Compromising the pancreas innervation causes islet autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes and islet cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. However, despite the richly innervated nature of the pancreas, islet innervation remains ill-defined. Here, we review the neuroanatomical and humoral basis of the cross-talk between the endocrine pancreas and autonomic and sensory neurons. Identifying the neurocircuitry and neurochemistry of the neuro-insular network would provide clues to neuromodulation-based approaches for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity.

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