What is the Origin of Glucagon Response?

Glucagon was discovered in the 1920s, shortly after the isolation of insulin, when researchers identified a substance in pancreatic extracts that caused a transient rise in blood sugar. The name, meaning "glucose-mover," reflects its core function. The subsequent study of its action became fundamental to understanding the pathogenesis of diabetes and other disorders of metabolic regulation.

What is the Mechanism of Glucagon Response?

Glucagon is secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets in response to falling blood glucose levels. Upon reaching the liver, it binds to specific glucagon receptors on hepatocytes, activating an intracellular G-protein signaling cascade. This cascade vigorously promotes two key hepatic processes: glycogenolysis, the breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose, and gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of new glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors. These actions rapidly increase the liver's glucose output into the bloodstream.

Glucagon Response

Meaning

Glucagon response is the essential physiological reaction of the body, predominantly mediated by the liver, to the secretion of the peptide hormone glucagon, resulting in an elevation of circulating glucose concentration. This powerful counter-regulatory mechanism is indispensable for preventing hypoglycemia, acting as a vital safeguard within the complex system of glucose homeostasis. A prompt and effective glucagon response is crucial for metabolic stability during periods of prolonged fasting or heightened energy demand.