glucagon

American  

[gloo-kuh-gon] / ˈglu kəˌgɒn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a hormone secreted by the pancreas that acts in opposition to insulin in the regulation of blood glucose levels.

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glucagon British  

/ -ɡən, ˈɡluːkəˌɡɒn /

noun

1. a polypeptide hormone, produced in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans, that stimulates the release of glucose into the blood Compare insulin

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glucagon Scientific  

/ glo̅o̅′kə-gŏn′ /

1. A polypeptide hormone produced by the pancreas that stimulates an increase in blood glucose levels, thus opposing the action of insulin.

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Etymology

Origin of glucagon

1923; probably gluc- + Greek ágōn present participle of ágein to lead, drive; -agogue

Example Sentences

"The organization of the DNA around the insulin and glucagon genes was very clearly different between the two bat species," Gordon said.

From Science Daily

He and his team were studying key hormones, including glucagon, in pancreases from anglerfish, which they pulled from Boston harbor.

From Science Magazine

Semaglutide signals the pancreas to create more insulin and also lowers glucagon, which helps control blood sugar levels.

From National Geographic

But it also blocks the production of glucagon, a hormone that can raise blood sugar back up.

From Salon

When nicotine binds to neuronal receptors in a brain region called the habenula, Kenny found, it prompts the pancreas to release glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.

From Science Magazine