Abstract: This article reviews amylin actions in the central nervous system in the aspects of receptor expression, signaling pathway and modulation of neuronal activity and cognitive functions. Amylin receptors are expressedin central dopaminergic system, norepinephrinergic system and serotonin system, suggesting a role in modulating the catecholamine concentrations. Amylin activates ERK, AMPK, STAT and Akt signaling pathway to change neuronal activity and modulatecognitive functions in several key brain regions. Activation of amylin signaling pathway in the central nervous system may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for cognitive dysfunctions.

Key words: amylin, nervous system, cognitive function, reward, learning and memory