2.2.1 Site of production of glucagon
Glucagon is produced by the alpha cells of Islets of Langerhans at the pancreas.
2.2.2 Effects of glucagon
1. Glucagon stimulates liver cells to convert glycogen into glucose.
2. Glucagon stimulates gluconeogenesis which is the conversion of amino acids into glucose.
2.2.3 Regulation of blood glucose concentration
Under situations of hunger or starvation, blood glucose concentration falls below normal.
Pancreas (receptor) detects the decrease in blood glucose concentration.
Alpha cells of Islets of Langerhans release more glucagon directly into the bloodstream.
Presence of glucagon in the bloodstream stimulates the liver cells to break down glycogen to form glucose.
When blood glucose concentration increases to normal, there is a negative feedback to the pancreas to reduce the release of glucagon.