The glucagon test in obstructive and hepatocellular jaundice

Abstract

Summary The plasma glucose response to an intravenous bolus of glucagon was examined in patients with obstructive jaundice, hepatocellular jaundice and in healthy volunteers. Plasma glucose levels were determined before and at 15, 30 and 45 min after glucagon. The glucose response to glucagon differed markedly in the two patient groups with significantly higher plasma glucose values in the obstructive jaundice group. Measurement of blood glucose after intravenous glucagon provides a simple test to assist in the differential diagnosis of obstructive and hepatocellular jaundice.

Glucagon Secreting Cells Responds to Insulin Secretion In vitro Using Immunocytochemistry

“…The close interaction among these cell types in the Islets of Langerhans allows direct control on secretion of some of the hormones by other hormone involving paracrine control. [ 2 ] The glucagon secreted by α-cells of pancreatic islets is a member of the family of structurally related peptides that includes vasoactive intestinal peptide, gastric inhibitory peptide,[ 3 ] Secretin[ 4 ] and growth hormone releasing hormone. [ 5 ] In the pancreas, the glucagon is derived from preproglucagon, a 180 amino acids peptide precursor with a molecular weight of 3485 D and is composed of a single chain of 29 amino acids and is identical in all mammals.…”