Insulin-mediated modulation of ion channels in peripheral sensory neurons: Potential implications for autonomic regulation.

The dorsal root ganglion houses primary sensory neurons whose afferent fibers transmit peripheral information to the central nervous system. Sensory transduction relies on ion channels, including TRP channels, and ASICs, which convert various stimuli into neural signals. Ion channels expressed in primary sensory neurons, including those innervating skeletal muscle, play crucial roles not only in nociception but also in the regulation of cardiovascular reflexes. Insulin not only regulates systemic glucose homeostasis but also modulates ion channel sensitivity in sensory neurons through PI3K-PKC signaling. Therefore, this review outlines current evidence on insulin-mediated modulation of sensory ion channels and explores its implications for the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy and the abnormal exercise pressor reflex function observed in early-stage type 2 diabetes.