Pancreatic Hormones and Insulin ELISA

Flashcards covering key concepts related to pancreatic hormones, glucose metabolism pathways, and insulin testing techniques.

Pancreas

A leaf-like structure present below the stomach that contains both endocrine (2%) and exocrine (98%) tissues.

Islet of Langerhans

Clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce hormones.

A cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce Glucagon, constituting 25% of all islet cells.

B cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce Insulin, constituting 60% of all islet cells.

D cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce Somatostatin, constituting 10% of all islet cells.

F cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce Pancreatic Polypeptide, constituting 5% of all islet cells.

Glycolysis

The anaerobic conversion of glucose to pyruvate or lactate, producing ATP.

Glucoseneogenesis

The production of glucose from non-sugar molecules such as amino acids and glycerol.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen into glucose.

Glycogenesis

The synthesis of glycogen from glucose for storage.

Lipogenesis

The synthesis of fatty acids from glucose, converting carbohydrates into fats.

Lipolysis

The breakdown of triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids.

Function of Pancreas

To regulate storage of glucose and fat, mobilization of energy reserves, maintenance of plasma glucose levels, and promotion of growth.

Insulin

A pancreatic hormone that promotes glucose uptake in tissues and inhibits glucose release from the liver.

Glucagon

A pancreatic hormone that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Somatostatin

A pancreatic hormone that inhibits the secretion of insulin and glucagon.

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone from the anterior pituitary that acts as an insulin antagonist, decreasing glucose entry to cells.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

A hormone that stimulates the secretion of cortisol and increases blood glucose levels.

Cortisol

A hormone from the adrenal glands that stimulates glycogenolysis, lipolysis, and gluconeogenesis.

Epinephrine

A hormone that stimulates glycogenolysis and lipolysis, increasing blood glucose levels.

Thyroxine

A hormone that stimulates glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis and increases glucose absorption.

ELISA

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, used to detect and measure substances like hormones.

Purpose of ELISA

To measure human insulin levels in biological samples.

Capture antibody

An antibody used in ELISA to capture and attach to the target antigen.

Detection antibody

An antibody linked to an enzyme used in ELISA to detect the captured target.

Optimal insulin level

3 - 8 uIU/mL (18 - 48 pmol/L) as measured in an ELISA test.

Low insulin level

Insulin level less than 3 uIU/mL (less than 18 pmol/L).

High insulin level

Insulin level greater than 8 uIU/mL (greater than 48 pmol/L).

Type 1 Diabetes

A condition indicated by undetectable insulin levels (<2 µIU/mL) with high blood sugar.

Anabolic state

A condition where the body is storing fat and building tissue, suggested by insulin levels over 8 uIU/mL.

Central obesity

The accumulation of fat around the central part of the body, often correlated with high insulin levels.

Insulin resistance

A condition often monitored in diabetes research and diagnosis.

Hyperglycemic agent

A substance like glucagon that increases blood glucose levels.

Substrate

A substance on which an enzyme acts in biochemical reactions.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins that can be used in gluconeogenesis.

Fatty acids

The products of lipolysis that can be used for energy.

Triacylglycerols

A type of fat that is synthesized during lipogenesis from glucose.

Biological samples

Samples taken from a living organism for diagnostic testing.

Sensitivity in testing

The ability of a test to correctly identify individuals with a disease.

Specificity in testing

The ability of a test to correctly identify individuals without a disease.

Renal medulla

Part of the kidney where anaerobic glycolysis can occur.

Skeletal muscles

Tissues in the body where glycolysis also occurs anaerobically.

Lactate

A byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis when glucose is converted during low oxygen conditions.

Plasma glucose concentration

The amount of glucose present in the blood, maintained by pancreatic hormones.

Glycerol

A product of lipolysis that can be converted to glucose through gluconeogenesis.

Glucose production

The result of gluconeogenesis using non-carbohydrate sources.

Hormonal assays

Tests used to measure hormone levels in the body, such as insulin.

Insulin antagonists

Hormones that counteract the effects of insulin, leading to increased blood glucose levels.

Glucose homeostasis

The balance of insulin and glucagon to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Energy mobilization

The release of energy reserves from fat and glycogen stores in response to dietary needs.

Diabetes research

The study of diabetes conditions, including insulin levels and resistance.

Endocrine studies

Research focusing on hormone-producing glands and their effects on the body.

Commercially prepared reagents

Ready-to-use substances used in laboratory tests like ELISA.

Micropolate

A small plate used in ELISA tests to contain samples and antibodies.

Pipettes

Laboratory tools used to transport a measured volume of liquid.

Cortisol secretion

The release of cortisol from the adrenal glands, influenced by ACTH.

Steroid hormones

Hormones derived from cholesterol, such as cortisol, that regulate metabolism.

Adrenal glands

Glands that produce hormones like cortisol and epinephrine, influencing glucose metabolism.

Molecular biology

A branch of science concerned with the study of biological processes at the molecular level.

Biochemical pathways

Series of chemical reactions within a cell, significant for metabolism.

Hormonal regulation

The process by which hormones control and regulate physiological functions.

Cellular metabolism

The various biochemical processes that occur within cells to maintain life.

Glycogenesis pathway

The biochemical route through which glucose is converted to glycogen.

Energy storage

The process of accumulating energy in forms like glycogen or fats.

Stress-induced hormones

Hormones released in response to stress that affect metabolism and glucose levels.

Chronic effects of insulin

Long-term outcomes associated with elevated insulin levels, such as obesity or diabetes.

Human insulin

The form of insulin that is biologically active in humans, often studied in lab diagnostics.

Clinical chemistry

The area of laboratory medicine that focuses on the analysis of biological samples for diagnostic purposes.

Insulin structure

The specific composition of the insulin molecule important for its function.

Hormone resistance

A reduced response to a hormone's normal effects, such as insulin resistance.

Glucose absorption

The process by which the intestines take up glucose into the bloodstream after a meal.

Anorectic hormones

Hormones that suppress appetite and could counteract insulin effects.