Review of Medical Physiology - William F. Ganong 2002

Endocrine System, Metabolism, and Reproduction
Endocrine Functions of the Pancreas and Regulation of Carbohydrate Metabolism
Introduction

At least four Peptides with hormonal activity are secreted by the islets of Langerhans in the Pancreas. Two of these Hormones, Insulin and Glucagon, play vital roles in regulating the Intermediary METABOLISM of CARBOHYDRATES, Proteins, and fats. A third hormone, Somatostatin, is involved in regulating islet secretion, while a fourth, Pancreatic Polypeptide, is presumably linked primarily to gastrointestinal function. Glucagon, somatostatin, and possibly pancreatic polypeptide are also secreted by the mucosal Cells of the intestine.

Insulin is an anabolic hormone that promotes the storage of glucose, Fatty acids, and Amino Acids. Glucagon is a catabolic hormone that mobilizes glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids from their storage sites into the bloodstream. Consequently, these two hormones exert opposing effects, and under most conditions, their secretion occurs reciprocally. Excess insulin leads to hypoglycemia, accompanied by convulsions and coma. Insulin deficiency, whether absolute or relative, causes Diabetes Mellitus—a complex, debilitating disease that is fatal if left untreated. A lack of glucagon can trigger hypoglycemia, whereas an excess exacerbates diabetes. Overproduction of somatostatin in the pancreas results in hyperglycemia and other manifestations of diabetes.

Numerous Other Hormones also play significant roles in the REGULATION OF CARBOHYDRATE Metabolism.



Last update: 10/08/2026

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