A presentation on glucagon "The blood Glucose raising Hormone". Glucagon increases the blood glucose level in the blood stream and helps to provide the required energy source whenever recruited.

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GLUCAGON
SUDHANSHU DWIVEDI(1801024052)
Dept. of Pharmacy,IGNTU

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Glucagon
A hyperglycaemic principle was demonstrated to be present
In the pancreatic islets just two years after the discovery
of insulin in 1921. It was named ‘glucagon’. Glucagon
is a single chain polypeptide containing 29 amino acids,
MW 3500. It is secreted by the alpha cells of the islets of
Langerhans and commercially produced now by recombinant
DNA technology.

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Maintenance of Blood Glucose level
NORMAL BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL:-
FASTING STATE : 60-100mg/dl
AFTER MEALS : 100-140mg/dl
Insulin and glucagon normally
Prevents from rising blood glucose
level above 170mg/dl after meals or falling
below 60mg/dl between meals.

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Action of glucagon
Glucagon is hyperglycaemic; most of its actions are opposite to that of insulin.
Glucagon causes hyperglycaemia primarily by enhancing glycogenolysis and
gluconeogenesis in liver. Suppression of glucose utilization in muscle and fat
contributes modestly. Glucagon is considered to be the hormone of fuel mobilization.
Its secretion is increased during fasting and is largely responsible for the high
fasting blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetics. It plays an essential role in the
development of diabetic ketoacidosis. Increased secretion of glucagon has been
shown to attend all forms of severe tissue injury. Glucagon increases the force and
rate of cardiac contraction and this is not antagonized by beta blockers.It has a
relaxant action on the gut and inhibits gastric acid production.

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Mechanism of action
Glucagon, through its own receptor and coupling Gs prote in
activates adenylyl cyclase and increases cAM P in liver. fat
cells, heart and other tissues; most of its actions are
mediated through this cyclic nucleotide.
Glucagon is inactive orally; that released from pancreas is
broken down in liver, kidney, plasma and other tissues. Its
pla ma t½ is 3-6 min.

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Uses
I. Hypoglycaemia: Use of glucagon to counteract insulin/ oral hypoglycaemic drug
induced hypoglycaemia is only an expedient measure for the emergency, and must be
followed by oral glucose/sugar given repeatedly till the blood glucose level stabilizes. It
may not work if hepatic glycogen is already depleted.
Dose: 0.5 1.0 mg i.v. or i.m. GLUCAGON I mg inj.
2. CARIOGENIC SHOCK: Glucagon may be used to stimulate the heart in Beta
adrenergic blocker treated patients. However action is not very marked.

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Other hyperglycaemics
Diazoxide:
Chemically related to thiazides, 11 inhibits insulin release from P cells and causes
hyperglycaemia lasting 4- 8 hours. Its action on ATP sensitive K channels of p
cells i~ opposite to that of SUs. Other actions which may contribute lo
hyperglycaemia are decreased peripheral utili?alion of glucose and release of
catecholamines. It has been used to prevent hypoglycaemia in insulinomas.
Other action, are , asodilatation. fall in BP and antidiuresis.

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Other hyperglycemics
Somatostatin: It causes hyperglycaemia primarily by inhibiting insulin
release.
Streptozocin: It is obtained from Strepromyces achromogenes.
Causes selective damage to insulin secreting BETA cells. It has been
used to produce experimental diabetes in animals and to treat insulin
secreting tumours of pancreas.

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MCQs
1. Glucagon is also called as :
I. Hyperglycemic hormone. II. Growth Hormone
III. Hypoglycemic hormone. IV. Pheromone [Ans: I. Hyperglycemic hormone]
2. Drug used to increase blood sugar level is :
I. Metformin II. Digoxin
III. Diazoxide IV. Morphinone [Ans: III. Diazoxide]
3. Drug used to treat insulin secreting Tumours of pancreas is:
I. Somatostatin II. Diazoxide
III. Tacrolimus IV. Streptozocin [Ans:IV. Streptozocin]

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REFERENCE:
•Essentials of Medical Pharmacology by ,
Dr. K.D. TRIPATHI MD
(Ex-Director-Professor and Head of Pharmacology
Maulana Azad Medical College and associated
LN and GB Pant Hospitals New Delhi, India )

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DHANYAWAAD