Pancreas-Brain Crosstalk

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.

Automated summary

The neural regulation of glucose homeostasis is crucial for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Despite the abundant innervation of the pancreas, the exact nature of islet innervation remains unclear. Understanding the neurocircuitry and neurochemistry of the neuro-insular network could offer insights for new neuromodulation-based approaches to prevent and treat diabetes.