Glucagon Human

Glucagon is a 29-amino acid polypeptide with the primary structure: NH₂-His-Ser-Gln-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Tyr-Ser-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asp-Ser-Arg-Arg-Ala-Gln-Asp-Phe-Val-Gln-Trp-Leu-Met-Asn-Thr-COOH. It has a molecular mass of 3485 daltons . The hormone is synthesized and secreted from the alpha cells (α-cells) of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It is produced from the preproglucagon gene (Gcg), which is first processed to form proglucagon and then cleaved to produce glucagon .

Glucagon raises blood sugar levels by activating hepatic glucagon receptors, which stimulate glycogenolysis and the release of glucose. This process involves the activation of adenylate cyclase, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP and activating protein kinase A. This, in turn, leads to the breakdown of glycogen into glucose .

Recombinant glucagon is used as a medication to treat severe hypoglycemia, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus. It is also employed as a diagnostic aid in radiologic exams to temporarily inhibit the movement of the gastrointestinal tract . The recombinant form of glucagon is identical to the naturally occurring hormone and is produced using recombinant DNA technology.

Glucagon was first granted FDA approval on November 14, 1960 . Since then, it has become an essential tool in the management of hypoglycemia and in various diagnostic procedures. The recombinant form of glucagon has further enhanced its availability and utility in clinical settings.