Leptin Engages a Hypothalamic Neurocircuitry to Permit Survival in the Absence of Insulin

•Brain neurons mediate the antidiabetic actions of leptin in total insulin deficiency•SF1 neurons are not mediators of the action of leptin in insulin deficiency•POMC neurons are marginal mediators of the action of leptin in insulin deficiency•GABAergic neurons are crucial mediators of the action of leptin in insulin deficiency

SummaryThe dogma that life without insulin is incompatible has recently been challenged by results showing the viability of insulin-deficient rodents undergoing leptin monotherapy. Yet, the mechanisms underlying these actions of leptin are unknown. Here, the metabolic outcomes of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of leptin in mice devoid of insulin and lacking or re-expressing leptin receptors (LEPRs) only in selected neuronal groups were assessed. Our results demonstrate that concomitant re-expression of LEPRs only in hypothalamic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons is sufficient to fully mediate the lifesaving and antidiabetic actions of leptin in insulin deficiency. Our analyses indicate that enhanced glucose uptake by brown adipose tissue and soleus muscle, as well as improved hepatic metabolism, underlies these effects of leptin. Collectively, our data elucidate a hypothalamic-dependent pathway enabling life without insulin and hence pave the way for developing better treatments for diseases of insulin deficiency.