Glukagonfrisättning

Glukagonfrisättning refers to the process by which the hormone glucagon is released from specialized cells in the pancreas. These cells, known as alpha cells, are located in the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas. Glucagon plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels. Its release is primarily triggered by a decrease in blood sugar, a condition known as hypoglycemia. When blood glucose levels fall too low, the alpha cells sense this change and secrete glucagon into the bloodstream.

Once in circulation, glucagon acts on the liver, stimulating it to break down stored glycogen into glucose. This process is called glycogenolysis. Glucagon also promotes gluconeogenesis, the creation of new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like amino acids and glycerol. The glucose produced through these mechanisms is then released into the bloodstream, raising blood glucose levels back to a normal range. This counteracts the effects of insulin, the hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar. Therefore, glucagonfrisättning is a vital mechanism for preventing dangerously low blood sugar and ensuring that the body's cells, particularly the brain, have a consistent supply of glucose for energy. The regulation of glucagon secretion is a finely tuned process influenced by various factors, including blood glucose levels, amino acids, and other hormones.