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Pancreatic Alpha-Cells

Meaning

Pancreatic Alpha-Cells are a specific type of endocrine cell located primarily in the periphery of the Islets of Langerhans within the pancreas. Their principal function is the synthesis and secretion of the peptide hormone glucagon, a crucial counter-regulatory hormone to insulin. Glucagon’s role is to maintain blood glucose homeostasis during periods of fasting or hypoglycemia, ensuring that the body’s energy demands are met when external nutrient supply is absent. Dysfunction of these cells, leading to excessive or inappropriate glucagon secretion, is a significant pathophysiological feature of type 2 diabetes mellitus.