HOME HELP CONTACT US SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Accepted manuscript (PDF) All Versions of this Article: JOE-08-0290v1 199/1/5    most recent Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Quesada, I. Articles by Nadal, A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Quesada, I. Articles by Nadal, A.

I Quesada, Instituto de Bioingenieria, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Elche, Spain
E Tuduri, Instituto de Bioingenieria, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Elche, Spain
C Ripoll, Instituto de Bioingenieria, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Elche, Spain
A Nadal, Instituto de Bioingenieria, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Elche, Spain

Correspondence: Ivan Quesada, Email: ivanq{at}umh.es

Abstract

The secretion of glucagon by pancreatic alpha-cells plays a critical role in the regulation of glycaemia. This hormone counteracts hypoglycaemia and opposes to insulin actions by stimulating hepatic glucose synthesis and mobilization, thereby increasing blood glucose concentrations. During the last decade, knowledge of alpha-cell physiology has greatly improved, especially concerning molecular and cellular mechanisms. In this review we have addressed recent findings on alpha-cell physiology and the regulation of ion channels, electrical activity, calcium signals and glucagon release. Our focus in this paper has been the multiple control levels that modulate glucagon secretion from glucose and nutrients to paracrine and neural inputs. Additionally, we have described the glucagon actions on glycaemia and energy metabolism, and discussed their involvement in the pathophysiology of diabetes. Finally, some of the current approaches for diabetes therapy related to alpha-cell function are also discussed in this review. A better understanding of the alpha-cell physiology is necessary for an integral comprehension of the regulation of glucose homeostasis and the development of diabetes.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R. P. A. Barros, C. Gabbi, A. Morani, M. Warner, and J.-A. Gustafsson Participation of ER{alpha} and ER{beta} in glucose homeostasis in skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, July 1, 2009; 297(1): E124 - E133. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				E. Tuduri, L. Marroqui, S. Soriano, A. B. Ropero, T. M. Batista, S. Piquer, M. A. Lopez-Boado, E. M. Carneiro, R. Gomis, A. Nadal, et al. Inhibitory Effects of Leptin on Pancreatic {alpha}-Cell Function Diabetes, July 1, 2009; 58(7): 1616 - 1624. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				B. Ahren {beta}- and {alpha}-Cell Dysfunction in Subjects Developing Impaired Glucose Tolerance: Outcome of a 12-Year Prospective Study in Postmenopausal Caucasian Women Diabetes, March 1, 2009; 58(3): 726 - 731. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. Ali and D. J. Drucker Benefits and limitations of reducing glucagon action for the treatment of type 2 diabetes Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, March 1, 2009; 296(3): E415 - E421. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. Quoix, R. Cheng-Xue, L. Mattart, Z. Zeinoun, Y. Guiot, M. C. Beauvois, J.-C. Henquin, and P. Gilon Glucose and Pharmacological Modulators of ATP-Sensitive K+ Channels Control [Ca2+]c by Different Mechanisms in Isolated Mouse {alpha}-Cells Diabetes, February 1, 2009; 58(2): 412 - 421. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]