Which cells secrete glucagon in the pancreas?

Which cells secrete glucagon in the pancreas?

• A. Alpha
• B. Beta
• C. Delta
• D. Gamma

Answer: (A)

Glucagon is produced by alpha cells in the pancreatic islets. When blood glucose drops, these cells release glucagon, which acts on the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and to stimulate gluconeogenesis, raising blood sugar. This contrasts with beta cells that secrete insulin to lower glucose, delta cells that release somatostatin to modulate both insulin and glucagon, and gamma (PP) cells that secrete pancreatic polypeptide affecting pancreatic secretions and GI motility. So glucagon comes from the alpha cells.

Glucagon is produced by alpha cells in the pancreatic islets. When blood glucose drops, these cells release glucagon, which acts on the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and to stimulate gluconeogenesis, raising blood sugar. This contrasts with beta cells that secrete insulin to lower glucose, delta cells that release somatostatin to modulate both insulin and glucagon, and gamma (PP) cells that secrete pancreatic polypeptide affecting pancreatic secretions and GI motility. So glucagon comes from the alpha cells.