Insulin activates vagal hepatic-related PVN neurons through mTOR pathway

Paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN) is an important brain region regulating a diversity of autonomic functions via sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, such as hepatic glucose production (HGP). Classical insulin-dependent inhibition of HGP occurs through peripheral actions on liver, decreasing the glycogenolysis. However, evidence implicates brain areas, like PVN, in insulin-dependent inhibition of HGP. Although, is still unclear how insulin acts on PVN in terms of neuromechanistic circuit(s).