Hormonal Regulation of Blood Glucose

📋 Course Outline

1. Pancreatic islets and hormone-producing cells
2. Insulin structure and proinsulin processing
3. Insulin secretion regulation and biphasic release
4. Insulin actions on carbohydrate, protein and fat
5. Glucagon secretion and regulation
6. Glucose transporters and insulin-modulated uptake
7. Blood glucose homeostasis with insulin and glucagon

📖 1. Pancreatic islets and hormone-producing cells

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Islets of Langerhans: Islets of Langerhans are small pancreatic cell clusters that perform endocrine hormone secretion.
• β-cells: β-cells are pancreatic endocrine cells that produce and secrete insulin.
• α-cells: α-cells are pancreatic endocrine cells that produce and secrete glucagon.
• δ-cells: δ-cells are pancreatic endocrine cells that produce and secrete somatostatin.
• PP cells: PP cells are pancreatic endocrine cells that produce and secrete pancreatic polypeptide.

📝 Essential Points

• The islets of Langerhans make up about 2% of the pancreas.
• The pancreas has combined exocrine and endocrine functions.
• Capillaries in the islets deliver secreted hormones to the portal vein.
• Insulin is produced by β-cells and glucagon by α-cells within the islets.
• Somatostatin is produced by δ-cells and pancreatic polypeptide by PP cells.
• Exocrine function of the pancreas includes secretion of pancreatic juice.

💡 Memory Hook