Glucagon

Until recently endocrinology has been concerned with the pathophysiology induced by a number of different hormones, in excess or deficit, and with their subsequent isolation and characterization. Insulin, parathormone and aldosterone are excellent examples. Today, we find ourselves in a reverse situation, with hormones such as thyrocalcitonin and glucagon chemically identified, accurate assays for their concentrations available, but their possible roles in normal or abnormal physiology awaiting clarification.Glucagon, the hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets, is extremely potent, as little as 0.1 mg infused into man over a 24-hour period being capable of causing small . . .