Pancreatic Hormones

A feature essential for life of higher vertebrates is their ability to maintain a relatively constant blood glucose concentration. Superimposed on the requirement for the maintenance of a constant blood glucose level are the perturbations in blood glucose that may occur naturally as a consequence of ongoing physiological and metabolic events. The endocrine gland largely responsible for the maintenance of blood glucose levels and the appropriate cellular uptake and exchange of “fuel metabolites” is the pancreas. The principal hormones secreted by the pancreas are insulin and glucagon; in addition, the pancreas also secretes somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), and gastrin. This chapter covers the integrated actions of glucagon and insulin to effect blood glucose homeostasis, and the chemistry, biochemistry, and biological activities of the pancreatic hormones. Clinical aspects are also covered.