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Intranasal insulin has shown efficacy in patients
with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but there are no
preclinical studies determining whether or how it
reaches the brain.
Henry Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body: The Cribriform
plate
In a new study researchers showed that insulin
applied at the level of the cribriform plate via the
nasal route quickly distributed throughout the brain
and reversed learning and memory deficits in an AD
mouse model. Intranasal insulin entered the blood
stream poorly and had no peripheral metabolic
effects. Additionally, repeated doses increased insulin’s efficacy in aiding memory.
Uptake into the brain from the cribriform plate was
saturable, stimulated by PKC inhibition, and
responded differently to cellular pathway inhibitors
than did insulin transport at the blood-brain
barrier.
In summary, these results show intranasal delivery
to be an effective way to deliver insulin to the
brain.
Researchers estimate
that there are at least 800 trials being conducted
by the NIH on Alzheimer’s; however, few are looking
at insulin and other gastrointestinal hormones and
how they affect cognition. Banks said there are
probably 100 intranasal compounds that could be
tested for treating Alzheimer’s, a promising
development in future treatment of the disease.
See also:
Insulin Nasal Spray Shows Promise for Alzheimer’s
Disease
For more information
Central Nervous System Delivery of Intranasal
Insulin: Mechanisms of Uptake and Effects on
Cognition
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-150307
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