Glucagon is a hormone in the human body that has the task of raising blood sugar levels. It therefore acts as an antagonist to the hormone insulin.
The pancreatic hormone glucagon also consists of protein (29 amino acids in total). It is found in the so-called A cells of the islet cells of Langerhans in the pancreas (pancreas) produced via two preliminary stages.
First, preproglucagon is formed as a precursor. Proglucagon is split off from this (Glicentin), from which the hormone glucagon is made. The glucagon receptor is also located on the cell surface.
Somatostatin is made up of protein and also works via a cell surface receptor.
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When appropriate stimuli occur in the body, the glucagon is released directly into the bloodstream. The strongest stimulus of these stimuli is a drop in blood sugar levels (Hypoglycemia), Amino acids in food or physical stress.
Hormones such as insulin and somatostatin and an increased blood sugar level (hyperglycaemia) inhibit the release of glugacon.
The hormone glucagon is by and large the antagonist of insulin. Generally speaking, glucagon is used to mobilize energy reserves. The hormone increases blood sugar by stimulating the depletion of sugar stores in the liver.
This process is known as glycogenolysis, as the stored sugar is in the form of glycogen. Furthermore, the hormone increases the breakdown of fatty acids (Lioplyse), the breakdown of protein (Proteinolysis) and the formation of ketone bodies from fatty acids. Glucagon also makes sugar (Glucose) made from other substances in the body (Gluconeogenesis). In order to get to these substances, it is necessary to break down superordinate products. This breakdown is called catabolism and the substrates that arise include lactic acid (lactate), proteins and glycerine (from fat metabolism).
Furthermore, the hormone glucagon also has effects that are independent of the metabolism, including an increase in heart strength and kidney filtration for urine excretion.
Please also read: Functions of the pancreas
