glucagon Physiol.
(ˈgl(j)uːkəgɒn)
[f. gluco- + Gr. ἀγών agon or ἀγών, pres. pple. of ἄγειν to lead, bring.]
A crystalline polypeptide hormone formed in the pancreas which stimulates glycogenolysis.
| 1923 Kimball & Murlin in Jrnl. Biol. Chem. LVIII. 342 This hyperglycemic substance has been given the name glucagon and its properties will be described more fully in a later paper. 1961 Times 22 Dec. 5/7 Insulin reduces the blood-sugar level and glucagon raises it. 1967 Martindale's Extra Pharmacopœia (ed. 25) 673/1 Glucagon has also been employed in terminating insulin coma. 1968 New Scientist 29 Feb. 481/1 Glucagon, a hormone produced in and excreted by the pancreas together with insulin, was recently successfully synthesized. |