The hormone which helps in glycogenolysis is?

DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Biochemistry & Nutrition

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress.
Its primary metabolic function is to mobilize energy stores by stimulating glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen) in the liver and muscles.
This action rapidly increases blood glucose levels, providing fuel for the 'fight-or-flight' response.
The mechanism involves activating a cascade that leads to the phosphorylation and activation of the enzyme glycogen phosphorylase.

Option B: Trypsin is a digestive enzyme, not a hormone involved in glucose regulation. Its function is to break down proteins in the small intestine.
Option C: Estrogen is a primary female sex hormone involved in the reproductive system. It does not directly stimulate glycogenolysis.
Option D: Estradiol is the most potent form of estrogen. Like estrogen, its primary role is in reproductive functions, not in the acute regulation of blood glucose via glycogenolysis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hormonal regulation of glycogenolysis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must understand that conditions causing stress (e.g., trauma, surgery, shock) or the administration of epinephrine can lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), even in non-diabetic patients.
Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial in critically ill patients or those receiving epinephrine infusions, as significant hyperglycemia may require intervention like insulin therapy.
What if? If a patient with a history of heart disease is given epinephrine for an allergic reaction, the nurse must monitor for both the desired effect (reversal of allergy symptoms) and adverse cardiac effects (like tachycardia and hypertension) caused by epinephrine's powerful stimulation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'glycogenolysis'. Recall its definition: the breakdown of glycogen into glucose.
Next, analyze the function of each option. The question asks for a 'hormone', which helps narrow down the choices.
Evaluate Epinephrine: Recall its role as the 'fight-or-flight' hormone, which rapidly increases energy availability by raising blood glucose. This makes it a strong candidate.
Evaluate Trypsin: Recognize this as a digestive enzyme for proteins, not a hormone related to glucose. This eliminates it as a correct answer.
Evaluate Estrogen and Estradiol: Identify these as sex hormones primarily involved in reproduction. Their role in acute glucose regulation is minimal, making them unlikely answers.
Conclude that Epinephrine is the only hormone listed whose primary function includes stimulating glycogenolysis for rapid energy mobilization.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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