Summary

Coming soon...

Key Points

• Glucagon
  • Peptide hormone
    • Binds to external cell receptors and initiates secondary messenger cascade
  • Origin: alpha cells of the pancreas
    • Produced in response to low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)
  • Function:
    • Increases blood glucose
      • Increases glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver
        • Mobilizes glucose stores in liver
    • Promotes ketogenesis
      • Ketone bodies can be used as an alternative source of energy in hypoglycemic states