Glucagon ELISA

Glucagon and Oxyntomodulin, a peptide hormone secreted by the alpha cells of pancreas, share identical amino acid sequence in the N-terminal 29 aa. Glucagon is a 29-amino acid polypeptide processed from proglucagon in pancreatic alpha cells.1 In intestinal L-cells proglucagon is cleaved into glicentin, corresponding to proglucagon residues no 1-69. Glicentin can further be processed into oxyntomodulin, corresponding to proglucagon residues no 33-69. These peptides are released simultaneously upon stimulation.

Glucagon has shown to have an effect opposite to that of insulin, i.e. it raises blood glucose levels. It causes the liver to convert glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the blood stream.2-4 During hypoglycaemia, glucagon secretion offers a protective feedback mechanism, defending the organism against damaging effects of glucose deficiency in the brain and nerves.5

References:
<ol>
<li>Sandoval DA and D€™Alessio DA. Physiology of Proglucagon Peptides: Role of Glucagon and GLP-1 in Health and Disease. Physiol Rev 95:513-548.</li>
<li>Bagger JI et al (2011) Glucagon antagonism as a potential therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism 13:965-971.</li>
<li>Holst J et al (2004) Role of incretin hormones in the regulation of insulin secretion in diabetic and nondiabetic humans. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 287: E199-206.</li>
<li>Holst J (2010) Glucagon and Glucagon-Like Peptides 1 and 2. Results Probl Cell Differ 50:121-135.</li>
<li>Young A (2005) Inhibition of Glucagon Secretion. Advances in Pharmacology 52:151-171.</li>
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