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[Circulating types of human glucagon (author's transl)]
MMW, Munchener Medizinische Wochenschrift
|March 24, 1978
Summary
Healthy plasma contains four glucagon fractions. Liver cirrhosis, diabetes, and kidney insufficiency alter these fractions, suggesting roles in disease and glucagon breakdown.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Glucagon is a key hormone regulating blood glucose.
- Multiple molecular forms of glucagon exist in circulation.
- Understanding glucagon heterogeneity is crucial for metabolic disease research.
Purpose:
- To characterize the different molecular weight fractions of immunoreactive glucagon in human plasma.
- To investigate alterations in these glucagon fractions in various disease states, including liver cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, pancreatic A-cell tumors, and chronic renal insufficiency.
Summary:
- Four fractions of immunoreactive glucagon (molecular weights ~160,000, 9,000, 3,500, and 2,000) were identified in healthy plasma.
- The 3,500 molecular weight fraction likely represents intact glucagon and is elevated in liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus.
- Elevated levels of the 9,000 and 3,500 molecular weight fractions were observed in pancreatic A-cell tumors and chronic renal insufficiency, suggesting precursor forms and a role for the kidney in glucagon metabolism.
Impact:
- Identifies specific glucagon fractions altered in common metabolic and endocrine disorders.
- Highlights the potential role of the kidney in glucagon clearance and degradation.
- Provides a basis for further investigation into the pathophysiological significance of glucagon heterogeneity.