AICAR induced AMPK activation potentiates neuronal insulin signaling and glucose uptake

Insulin signaling is extensively studied in peripheral tissues while comparatively understudied in neuronal cells. AMPK is considered to be a fuel gauge of our body and activation of the same has been reported to increase insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscles thereby increasing glucose transport. However its role in neuronal insulin signaling is not established yet. Here we report positive regulation of insulin signaling as well as glucose uptake by AICAR, a pharmacological activator of AMPK, in cultured Neuro-2a cells in vitro. Compound C, a specific AMPK inhibitor, completely blocked the potentiating effects of AICAR on insulin signaling and glucose uptake, thus suggesting that AMPK mediates effects of AICAR on insulin signaling. Our study provides valuable insight in understanding the role of AMPK in neuronal insulin signal transduction.

► AICAR potentiated insulin signaling and glucose uptake in cultured Neuro-2a cells.
► AMPK inhibitor (compound C) completely blocked the potentiating effects of AICAR.
► Results suggest that AMPK mediates effects of AICAR on insulin signaling.
► Study contributes in understanding the role of AMPK in neuronal insulin signalling.