Alpha cells of pancreas secrete?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2016

Explanation

The Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas contain several types of endocrine cells.
Alpha (α) cells are specifically responsible for the synthesis and secretion of the hormone glucagon.
Glucagon is a hyperglycemic hormone, meaning its primary function is to raise blood glucose levels.
It acts mainly on the liver to stimulate glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen) and gluconeogenesis (synthesis of new glucose).

Option A: Insulin is secreted by the beta (β) cells of the pancreas, not the alpha cells.
Option B: Somatostatin is secreted by the delta (δ) cells of the pancreas, as well as in the hypothalamus and gastrointestinal tract.
Option C: Somatotropin, also known as Growth Hormone (GH), is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, not the pancreas.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hormones secreted by pancreatic islet cells as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the function of pancreatic hormones is fundamental to the pathophysiology and management of diabetes mellitus, where the balance between insulin and glucagon is disrupted.
Glucagon is used clinically as an emergency medication to treat severe hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) in diabetic patients who are unconscious or unable to take oral glucose.
What if? If a patient develops a glucagonoma (a tumor of the alpha cells), they would experience persistent hyperglycemia, weight loss, and a characteristic skin rash. This is due to the excessive, unregulated secretion of glucagon.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Alpha cells' and 'pancreas'. This directs you to the endocrine function of the pancreas.
Recall the different cell types within the Islets of Langerhans and the specific hormone each one produces.
Systematically evaluate each option:
Insulin is produced by beta cells.
Somatostatin is produced by delta cells.
Somatotropin (Growth Hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland, not the pancreas.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 2 pp. 65-67, 66-68

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 5-7

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