Glucagon and other Diabetogenic Hormones Flashcards
Glucagon is what type of molecule?
a linear polypeptide
glucagon is produced in what type of cell?
alpha cells of the pancreatic islets
what percent of islet cells do alpha cells make up?
about 10% of islet cells
what is the precursor to glucagon?
preproglucagon
how does preproglucagon synthesize glucagon?
preproglucagon has 6 exons, and one encodes for the glucagon precursor - the other exons encode precursors for GLP 1 and GLP 2
what are the actions of glucagon?
it is generally a ‘counterregulatory’ hormone- antagonising the effects of insulin and maintaining blood glucose levels
- Glucagon Receptor
- Also linked to phospholipase C
- Increases intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i
- [Ca2+]i stimulates glycogenolysis
- Glucagon also stimulates gluconeogenesis from available amino acids in the liver
- Increases ketone body formation by the liver
- Stimulates hormone sensitive lipase in adipocytes via cAMP/Protein kinase A pathway – catalyses the breakdown of stored triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids
what are some other counter regulatory hormones other than glucagon?
–Catecholamines
–Growth Hormone
–Cortisol
–Thyroid Hormone
What type of receptor is the glucagon receptor?
it is a G protein receptor - activates adenylate cyclase - increases intracellular cAMP conc.- protein Kinase A activates phosphorylase which results in glycogen breakdown
where is the main site of glucagon function?
the liver
what is the half life of glucagon?
5-10 min
where is glucagon secreted into?
the portal vein •so liver is exposed to levels 2-3 times higher than other organs
where is glucagon degraded?
many tissues, but particularly the liver
does glucagon have any appreciable effect on muscle glycogenolysiis?
no. •Glucagon has no appreciable effect on muscle glycogenolysis
basal glucagon release acounts for what percent of fasting hepatic glucose production?
75%
what determines glycogenolysis vs. gluconeogensis?
depends on insulin being low
- Glucagon does increase gluconeogenic enzymes but the contribution of this to basal glucose production is minor
- Only with prolonged fasting does gluconeogenesis contribute significantly
–Mobilization of glycerol and amino acids is due to low insulin levels rather than a direct effect of glucagon
what else does an increase of endogenous glucagon above basal level stimulate?
it stimulates hepatic glucose production mostly through glycogen breakdown