Hyperglycemic factor produced by the pancreas is which hormone?

Hyperglycemic factor produced by the pancreas is which hormone?

• A. Epinephrine
• B. Glucagon
• C. Insulin
• D. Growth hormone

Answer: (B)

Glucagon is the hormone that raises blood glucose and is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets. When blood sugar falls, glucagon is released and acts mainly on the liver to promote glycogenolysis (breaking down stored glycogen) and gluconeogenesis (creating new glucose). This increases hepatic glucose output and raises blood glucose levels via a cAMP-driven signaling pathway. Insulin does the opposite, lowering blood glucose by helping tissues take up and store glucose. Epinephrine and growth hormone can also raise blood glucose, but they come from the adrenal medulla and pituitary, respectively, not from the pancreas. So the pancreatic hyperglycemic factor is glucagon.

Glucagon is the hormone that raises blood glucose and is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets. When blood sugar falls, glucagon is released and acts mainly on the liver to promote glycogenolysis (breaking down stored glycogen) and gluconeogenesis (creating new glucose). This increases hepatic glucose output and raises blood glucose levels via a cAMP-driven signaling pathway. Insulin does the opposite, lowering blood glucose by helping tissues take up and store glucose. Epinephrine and growth hormone can also raise blood glucose, but they come from the adrenal medulla and pituitary, respectively, not from the pancreas. So the pancreatic hyperglycemic factor is glucagon.