Regulation of hepatic-mediated glucose release following hypoglycemic stress.

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) plays a key role in the glucose counter-regulatory response to lowered circulating levels of blood glucose (hypoglycemia). Through the activation of the sympathetic (SNS), parasympathetic (PNS), and sympatho-adrenal (SNS-adrenal) branches of the ANS, the stimulated release of pancreatic-glucagon and adrenal-epinephrine leads to the increased release of hepatic glucose and a subsequent return to normal glucose levels. Evidence would suggest that additional neural regulatory systems must exist, of which, the direct SNS innervation to hepatic tissues is the most likely candidate. The neural mechanisms by which the ANS coordinates the release of hepatic glucose via this multi-faceted regulatory system are not well understood. Further, the molecular linkages between each neurohormonal factor and the activation of metabolic signalling pathways in the liver that lead to the production and release of glucose has not been made. The elucidation of these neural control mechanisms governing glucose homeostasis will prove paramount to the understanding of how perturbations in ANS activity, such as during states of hyperglycemia, can impede the normal glucose counter-regulatory response to hypoglycemia in otherwise healthy individuals.