Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice
11:10

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice

Published on: November 16, 2011

96.1K

Hypoglycemia unawareness prevention: Targeting glucagon production

Willis K Samson1, Lauren M Stein1, Mollisa Elrick1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States.

Physiology & Behavior
|April 16, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Individuals with diabetes may experience recurrent hypoglycemia due to failed counter-regulatory mechanisms. A newly discovered hormone, neuronostatin, produced in pancreatic delta cells, stimulates glucagon release and may prevent these dangerous episodes when used with insulin.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Neuroendocrinology

Background:

  • Insulin-dependent diabetes carries a risk of severe hypoglycemia.
  • Recurrent hypoglycemic events can lead to a dangerous state of hypoglycemia unawareness.
  • This unawareness is linked to impaired glucagon release and reduced endogenous glucose production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the discovery of a novel hormone involved in glucose regulation.
  • To investigate the potential of this hormone as a co-therapy for preventing recurrent hypoglycemia in insulin-dependent individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Discovery and characterization of a novel hormone produced by pancreatic delta cells.
  • Investigation of the hormone's effect on glucagon production and release under varying glucose conditions.

Main Results:

  • A novel hormone, named neuronostatin, was identified in pancreatic delta cells.
  • Neuronostatin was found to stimulate glucagon production and release, particularly in low glucose environments.
  • This suggests a role for neuronostatin in counter-regulatory responses to hypoglycemia.

Conclusions:

  • Neuronostatin is a novel hormone with the potential to restore counter-regulatory responses to hypoglycemia.
  • Neuronostatin may serve as a valuable co-therapy with insulin to prevent recurrent, potentially fatal hypoglycemic episodes in diabetic patients.
Keywords:
GlucagonHypoglycemiaInsulinNeuronostatin

More Related Videos

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital12:08

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital

Published on: June 11, 2012

19.5K
Author Spotlight: Investigating the Blood Glucose Homeostasis in Murine Brain Using a Cost-Effective Hyperglycemic And Hypoglycemic Clamp Technique07:35

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Blood Glucose Homeostasis in Murine Brain Using a Cost-Effective Hyperglycemic And Hypoglycemic Clamp Technique

Published on: January 26, 2024

2.3K

Related Concept Videos

Hypoglycemia and Glucagon01:15

Hypoglycemia and Glucagon

Without prolonged fasting, healthy individuals maintain blood glucose levels above 3.5 mM due to a well-adapted neuroendocrine counterregulatory system that effectively prevents acute hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The primary clinical scenarios for hypoglycemia encompass diabetes treatment, inappropriate production of endogenous insulin or insulin-like substances by tumors, and the use of glucose-lowering agents in non-diabetic individuals. Notably, hypoglycemia in the...
1.3K
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists01:24

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists

Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...
1.3K
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides01:06

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides

Repaglinide (Prandin) and Nateglinide (Starlix), known as glinides, are oral insulin secretagogues that stimulate insulin release from pancreatic β cells by closing the ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP channel). Repaglinide controls insulin release from pancreatic β cells by managing potassium efflux. It shares two binding sites with sulfonylureas and also has a unique site, indicating overlapping mechanisms of action. With a rapid onset and a 4-7 hour duration, it effectively...
926
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose01:16

Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose

Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
8.3K
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones01:26

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones

Biguanides, particularly metformin (Glucophage), are insulin sensitizers that enhance glucose uptake, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin doesn't prompt insulin secretion, which helps to curb hypoglycemia risk. Metformin is beneficial in treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome due to its insulin-resistance reduction capability. The drug's primary action involves curtailing hepatic gluconeogenesis, a significant contributor to high blood...
912
Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose01:02

Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose

Carbohydrates consumed through foods are converted into glucose, a crucial energy source for the body. In the prandial state, high blood glucose levels stimulate the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin inhibits hepatic glucose production and stimulates glucose uptake and metabolism by muscle and adipose tissue. The excess glucose is converted into glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles.
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
5.1K