Pancreas Hormones

Pancreatic Islet: Alpha Cells

Primary Targets: Liver, adipose tissue

Hormonal Effects: Mobilizes lipid reserves; promotes glucose synthesis and glycogen breakdown in the liver; elevates blood glucose concentrations

Regulatory Control: Stimulated by low blood glucose concentrations; inhibited by GH-IH from delta cells

Pancreatic Islet: Beta Cells

Primary Targets: Most Cells

Hormonal Effects: Facilitates uptake of glucose by target cells; stimulates formation and storage of lipids and glycogen

Regulatory Control: Stimulated by high blood glucose concentrations, parasympathetic stimulation, and high levels of some amino acids; inhibited by GH-IH from delta cells and by sympathetic activation

Pancreatic Islet: Delta Cells

Primary Targets: Other islet cells, digestive epithelium

Hormonal Effects: Inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion; slows rates of nutrient absorption and enzyme secretion along digestive tract

Regulatory Control: Stimulated by protein-rich meal; mechanism unclear

Digestive System Ch. 25