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Glucagon occurs as Twenty-nine amino acid polypeptide acting as an important hormone in carbohydrate metabolism. the polypeptide has a molecular weight of 3485 daltons and was found around 1923 by Kimball and Murlin.

Its primary structure is: NH2-His-Ser-Gln-Gly-Thr-Phe- Thr-Ser-Asp-Tyr-Ser-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asp-Ser- Arg-Arg-Ala-Gln-Asp-Phe-Val-Gln-Trp-Leu- Met-Asn-Thr-COOH

History
In the 1920s, Kimball and Murlin exposed pancreatic extracts and witnessed even more, an extra substance sustaining hyperglycemic properties. Glucagon was sequenced in the late 1950s, but a thomas more complete understanding of its role within physiology & disease was non established until the 1970s when the specific radioimmunoassay was developed.

Physiology
A internal secretion is synthesized & secreted from either alpha cells of pancreatic islets (Islets of Langerhans).

Glucagon aids maintain a level of glucose in the blood by binding to specific receptors on hepatocytes inducing a liver to release glucose which is stored in the form of glycogen through a run called glycogenolysis. When these places be depleted, glucagon so encourages a liver to synthesize extra glucose by gluconeogenesis. This glucose is freed into a bloodstream. Two one mechanisms lead to glucose release per liver preventing a development of hypoglycaemia.

Pathology
Abnormally elevated levels of glucagon can be from either pancreatic cancers such as glucagonoma, symptoms of which include necrolytic migratory erythema (NME).

Pharmacological application of glucagon
An injectable form of glucagon is essential 1st help just in case of severe hypoglycemia. A glucagon is injected & quickly raises blood glucose levels. It works only there exists animal starch stored inside liver cells, & it won't act over again until people places come replenished.

Glucagon has likewise inotropic properties. Although its utilize is unworkable around heart failure, it has some value inside professional assistance of myocardial depression secondary to betablocker overdose.

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Glucagon
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