Publisher's Synopsis
The most important pathological defect associated with insulin is diabetes, a major cause of death in the Western world. Whilst insulin is one of the best characterized proteins, its mechanism action remains a mystery. This book reviews recent work on the physiological effects of the hormone, the pathology associated with it, and current views into the findings. The author assumes basic knowledge of the metabolic pathways of carbohydrates, fats and proteins; details of the regulation of a given pathway are given where pertinent to the effects of insulin.;Beginning with a biochemical background, the author goes on to discuss the insulin receptor and the effects of insulin on two familiar systems of transmembrane signalling (cyclic AMP and inositol phosphates) and a third uniquely associated with insulin. He concludes with a comprehensive theory of insulin action, discussing the therapeutic implications arising.
