Glucagon | Laboratory research

General Information

Glucagon is a peptide hormone consisting of 29 amino acids, which is synthesized by the alpha islet cells of the pancreas and the hypothalamus.

The function of hypothalamic glucagon is not fully understood.

Pancreatic glucagon is involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Its function is the opposite of insulin: it is stimulated in hypoglycemic conditions and causes an increase in blood sugar levels. The hyperglycemic effect of glucagon is carried out in the liver through glycogenolysis (glycogen breakdown) and gluconeogenesis (glucose synthesis). After regulation of blood sugar concentration, glucagon is inactivated.

Glucagon metabolism is influenced by the functional state of the kidneys. In kidney failure, a high fasting glucagon level is observed.

Excess secretion of glucagon causes hyperglycemia. When the blood glucose concentration is regulated by insulin therapy, the glucagon level also returns to normal.

Glucagonomas are rare tumors of the pancreas that develop from the cells of the islets of Langerhans and produce glucagon. Causes symptoms of diabetes, diarrhea, erythema.

Glucagon levels are elevated in carcinoid tumors, hepatocellular carcinomas, and other neuroendocrine tumors.

Decreased or absent glucagon levels are sometimes found in type I diabetes. Glucagon deficiency is associated with loss of pancreatic tissue.

Recommendations

Determination of glucagon is used in the diagnostics of glucagon-producing tumors and diabetic patients.

Patient preparation – The study is conducted on an empty stomach. It is recommended to abstain from food and stressful factors for 8 hours before the research.

Reference norm: ​​ < 209 ng/l

Increase in glucagon levels It is noted in the following situations:

• In glucagonomas (glucagon-producing tumors), which are manifested by three options:

1. Migratory necrolytic erythema (characteristic rash), diabetes or glucose intolerance, weight loss, venous thrombosis. This form is manifested by a very high level of glucagon.
2. The second option is associated with severe diabetes
3. The third option is associated with the syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasias and is characterized by relatively low levels of glucagon.

• diabetes. Inadequate secretion of plasma glucagon and acute hyperglycemia in patients with type I diabetes indicate paradoxical release of the hormone, which is an indicator of the severity of the disease. On the other hand, a low level of glucagon in the background of hypoglycemia indicates a disruption in the regulation of glucose metabolism.
• Acute pancreatitis
• Chronic renal failure
• Stress conditions: trauma, burns, surgical intervention and others
• cirrhosis of the liver
• Blood hyperosmolality (high salt and low water content in the blood)
• Hypoglycemia

Low levels of glucagon are noted in the following situations:

• When dissecting pancreatic tissue
• in chronic pancreatitis
• in cystic fibrosis