Brain-liver connections: role of the preautonomic PVN neurons

Diabetes mellitus and the coexisting conditions and complications, including hypo- and hyperglycemic events, obesity, high cholesterol levels, and many more, are devastating problems. Undoubtedly, there is a huge demand for treatment and prevention of these conditions that justifies the search for new approaches and concepts for better management of whole body metabolism. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the autonomic nervous system is largely involved in the regulation of glucose homeostasis; however, the underlying mechanisms are still under investigation. Within the hypothalamus, the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is in a unique position to integrate neural and hormonal signals to command both the autonomic and neuroendocrine outflow. This minireview will provide a brief overview on the role of preautonomic PVN neurons and the importance of the PVN-liver pathway in the regulation of glucose homeostasis.