Endocrine Pancreas Flashcards
Islets of Langerhans
Clusters of ENDOCRINE cells = Islets of Langerhans:
Contains all cell types producing hormones
Alpha cells
Produce glucagon (10-15% of cells)
Beta Cells
Produce insulin (+amylin) (65-80% of Islet cells)
Delta cells
Produce somatostatin
3-10%
Gamma cells
Produce pancreatic polypeptide (involved in GI function)
3-5% of cells
Epsilon cells
Produce grehlin (>1%) (increases appetite)
INSULIN
Produced by Beta cells
Decrease blood glucose levels
AMYLIN
Produced by Beta cells
Slows gastric emptying to prevent spikes in blood glucose
GLYCAGON
Produced by Alpha cells
Increase blood glucose levels
SOMATOSTATIN
Regulate Islet cell regulation of other hormones (think S for Stop)
Produced by Delta cells
Pulsatile Release:
Short term blood glucose control
Clearing absorbed nutrients from blood after a meal
Protracted release:
Long term insulin release for glucose uptake
E.g for cell growth, division, stimulating protein synthesis
GLYCOLYSIS
(Irreversible):
Glucose → ATP
Energy to be used anywhere in the body
GLYCOGENESIS
(reversible):
Glucose → glycogen
Energy to be stored SHORT term in muscles + liver
LIPOGENESIS
(irreversible)
Glucose – lipids
Energy to be stored LONG term in adipose tissue
