Mariana Norton

Abstract The extracellular Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) regulates cellular responsiveness to physiological changes in ionized calcium (Ca2+) concentrations. The CaSR is expressed in the brain, including in hypothalamic growth hormone stimulating GHRH and anorectic POMC neurons that control growth and energy homeostasis.

Abstract Enteropancreatic neurons project from the small intestinal wall to the pancreas. Though well positioned to mediate the effects of ingested nutrients on pancreatic function, the metabolic role of these neurons is unclear. Diets rich in olive oil promote weight loss and improve remission rates in patients with T2DM. Here, we show that olive oil improves acute glucose tolerance by stimulating insulin release via neurotensin receptor type 1 (NTSR1)-expressing enteropancreatic neurons.

Abstract The vagus nerve is a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, innervating multiple abdominal organs to monitor and regulate their function. It forms the main neural pathway between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, playing a major role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. The cell bodies for vagal sensory neurons reside in the nodose ganglia, with the left and right ganglia reported to have distinct roles in food intake and reward.