Glucagon | Laboratory research

General Information

Glucagon is a hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas that raises blood sugar levels—especially during fasting, exercise, or hypoglycemia. It acts in opposition to insulin and is critical for maintaining energy balance.

Glucagon

A peptide hormone consisting of 29 amino acids that is synthesized by the alpha islet cells of the pancreas and the hypothalamus.

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.