Alpha cell: Difference between revisions
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To elevate glucose levels, glucagon binds to receptors on [[hepatocyte]]s (liver cells) and other cells (e.g. muscle cells). This activates an enzyme, [[glycogen phosphorylase]], inside the hepatocyte to hydrolyse [[glycogen]] to glucose. This process is called [[glycogenolysis]]. |
To elevate glucose levels, glucagon binds to receptors on [[hepatocyte]]s (liver cells) and other cells (e.g. muscle cells). This activates an enzyme, [[glycogen phosphorylase]], inside the hepatocyte to hydrolyse [[glycogen]] to glucose. This process is called [[glycogenolysis]]. |
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In rodents, alpha cells are located in the periphery of the islets, however in humans the islet architecture is generally less organized and alpha cells are frequently observed inside the islets as well. When being viewed by an [[electron microscope]], alpha cells can be identified by their characteristic [[Granule (cell biology)|granules]] with a large dense core and a small white halo. |
In rodents, alpha cells are located in the periphery of the islets, however in humans the islet architecture is generally less organized and alpha cells are frequently observed inside the islets as well. When being viewed by an [[electron microscope]], alpha cells can be identified by their characteristic [[Granule (cell biology)|granules]] with a large dense core and a small white halo. |
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HELLO! :D |
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Alternative and more common spellings: alpha-cell or α-cell. |
Alternative and more common spellings: alpha-cell or α-cell. |
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Revision as of 18:31, 14 January 2010
Alpha cells are endocrine cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas. They make up 33-46% of the human islet cells and are responsible for synthesizing and secreting the peptide hormone glucagon, which elevates the glucose levels in the blood.
To elevate glucose levels, glucagon binds to receptors on hepatocytes (liver cells) and other cells (e.g. muscle cells). This activates an enzyme, glycogen phosphorylase, inside the hepatocyte to hydrolyse glycogen to glucose. This process is called glycogenolysis. In rodents, alpha cells are located in the periphery of the islets, however in humans the islet architecture is generally less organized and alpha cells are frequently observed inside the islets as well. When being viewed by an electron microscope, alpha cells can be identified by their characteristic granules with a large dense core and a small white halo. HELLO! :D
Alternative and more common spellings: alpha-cell or α-cell.
See also
External links
- Pancreatic+alpha+cells at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
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