INTRODUCTION :

•Glucagon is a hormone that is involved in controlling blood sugar

(glucose) levels.
• It is produced by the alpha cells, found in the islets of Langerhans,
in the pancreas, from where it is released into the bloodstream.
• The glucagon-secreting alpha cells surround the insulin-secreting
beta cells, which reflects the close relationship between the two
hormones.
•It is a peptide hormone.
•It consist of single chain of 29 amino acids.
Secreted by Alpha cells of pancreatic islet of langerhans.
•Its main action is on the liver.
 Role Of Glucagon :
Glucagon’s role in the body is to prevent blood glucose levels
dropping too low. To do this, it acts on the liver in several ways:
It stimulates the conversion of stored glycogen (stored in the
liver) to glucose, which can be released into the bloodstream.
This process is called glycogenolysis.

It promotes the production of glucose from amino acid

molecules. This process is called gluconeogenesis.

It reduces glucose consumption by the liver so that as much

glucose as possible can be secreted into the bloodstream to
maintain blood glucose levels.
Glucagon also acts on adipose tissue to stimulate
the breakdown of fat stores into the bloodstream.
Although secreted by the pancreas, glucagon directly impacts the
liver as it works to control blood sugar levels. Specifically, glucagon
prevents blood glucose levels from dropping to a dangerous point
by stimulating the conversion of stored glycogen to glucose in the
liver. This glucose can be released into the bloodstream, a process
known as glycogenolysis.
Secondly, glucagon stops the liver from consuming some glucose.
This helps more glucose to enter the bloodstream, rather than
being consumed by the liver, to keep levels stable.
Finally, glucagon works in a process known as
gluconeogenesis, which is the production of glucose in the
amino acid molecules.
In each of these processes, glucagon and insulin work together. Insulin
will prevent glucose levels from increasing to a point that is too high,
while glucagon prevents it from dropping too low. Glucagon
production is stimulated when an individual eats a protein-rich meal,
experiences a surge in adrenaline, or has a low blood sugar event.

Metabolic Effects Of Glucagon:

•Increases Hepatic
•Increases Gluconeogenesis
•Increases Amino acid Transport
•Increases Fatty Acid Metabolism (Ketogenesis)
REGULATION :
Secretion of glucagon is stimulated by:
Hypoglycemia
Epinephrine
Arginine
Alanine
Acetylcholine
Cholecystokinin
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide
Secretion of glucagon is inhibited by:
Somatostatin
Amyline
Insulin
Increased free fatty acids and keto acids into the blood.
Increased urea production
Glucagon-like peptide-1
 HYPERGLUCAGONEMIA:
Hyperglucagonemia is a state of excess glucagon
secretion. In healthy individuals, insulin has a
suppressive effect on alpha-cell function and on
glucagon secretion. The most common cause of
hyperglucagonemia is an absence or deficiency
of the restraining influence of insulin on glucagon
production. Although rare, hyperglucagonemia
can be caused by an autonomous secretion of
glucagon by a tumor of pancreatic alpha cells
(glucagonoma syndrome). Most patients are
middle-aged and may appear wasted and ill.
 HYPOGLYCEMIA :
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which your blood sugar (glucose)
level is lower than normal. Glucose is your body's main energy
source.
Hypoglycemia needs immediate treatment when blood sugar
levels are low. For many people, a fasting blood sugar of 70
milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 3.9 millimoles per liter
(mmol/L), or below should serve as an alert for hypoglycemia.
But your numbers might be different. Ask your doctor

It's used to treat severe low blood

sugar (severe hypoglycemia). Glucagon works by telling your body to
release sugar (glucose) into the bloodstream to bring the blood sugar
level back up. Sometimes you might miss a meal, exercise too much, or
not eat enough food for the amount of insulin you've taken.