Glucagon is a critical peptide hormone produced and secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, serving as the primary counter-regulatory hormone to insulin. Its principal physiological role is to prevent hypoglycemia by rapidly raising the blood glucose concentration when levels fall too low. Clinically, synthetic glucagon is an essential emergency treatment administered for severe hypoglycemia in individuals with diabetes.
Origin
The term “Glucagon” was coined in the 1920s, combining “glucose” with the Greek suffix -agon, meaning to lead or drive, signifying its direct role in driving up blood sugar levels. Its function was initially recognized as an impurity in early insulin preparations before its distinct and essential role as a separate hormone was fully elucidated in later decades.
Mechanism
Glucagon exerts its powerful action by binding to the glucagon receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor, located predominantly on hepatocytes in the liver. Receptor activation triggers an intracellular signaling cascade that rapidly promotes two key metabolic processes: glycogenolysis, the breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose, and gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of new glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors. These combined mechanisms efficiently release stored and newly synthesized glucose into the circulation, restoring systemic glucose homeostasis.
Fasting protocols induce precise shifts in liver enzyme activity, optimizing metabolic flexibility and energy utilization for enhanced systemic health.
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