In this article, we will discuss Insulin. So, let’s get started.
Insulin
Insulin is a peptide hormone, which is important for metabolism and utilization of energy from the ingested nutrients, especially glucose. There are 51 amino acids in an insulin molecule. It has a molecular weight of 5808 Da. Insulin is produced in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. The name insulin comes from the Latin word “insula” for “island” from the cells that produce the hormone in the pancreas.
Synthesis
Beta cells of islets of Langerhans in the pancreas
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Enters portal circulation
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Liver (prime target organ)
(50% of insulin is extracted and degraded in the liver)
C-peptide is partially extracted by the liver
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Kidney (Residue and C-peptide are broken down here)
Physiological effects
- Insulin increases cellular intake of glucose in muscles and adipose tissues.
- Insulin increases DNA replication and protein synthesis via control of amino acid uptake.
- It modifies the activity of numerous enzymes.
- Insulin increases fat synthesis.
- Insulin increases the esterification of fatty acids.
- It induces glycogen synthesis, decreases gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis.
- It decreases proteolysis, lipolysis, and autophagy.
- Increases amino acid and potassium uptake.
- Increases secretion of HCl by parietal cells in the stomach.
- Insulin forces the arterial wall muscle to relax thereby increasing blood flow (especially in micro arteries).
- Insulin decreases renal sodium excretion.
- Insulin has stimulatory effects on gonadotrophin-releasing hormone by the hypothalamus, thus favoring fertility.
- Insulin also influences body functions such as vascular compliance, homeostasis, and cognition