The regulation of vital processes in the body is carried out in a neurohormonal manner. In other words, regulation is observed in the blood not only with the help of nerves. The hormones secreted by the pancreas perform various functions in the body. Which ones? Consider what the pancreas is, what hormones it secrets, and their features.
What is the pancreas?
It is she who is one of the main organs in the body. The pancreas performs both external and internal functions. The first is the formation of digestive enzymes that help digest food. The second group of functions involves the production of hormones involved in various metabolic processes. There is iron in the abdominal cavity, approximately near the navel.
In what cases should you beware?
If problems arise with this organ, the following symptoms are observed:
- sharp pain on the left side that occurs after eating;
- complete or partial loss of appetite;
- gagging and flatulence.
If these symptoms occur, consult a doctor. He will write a referral to the lab to be tested. The main thing is to diagnose the disease on time so that there are no serious consequences.
Pancreas, hormones and functions
All hormones are produced by various types of endocrine cells:
- Cells A are responsible for the appearance of the glucagon hormone or the “hunger hormone”. They contain 20% of the total. The hormone plays a major role in increasing blood glucose.
- Cell B produces the hormone insulin. In endocrine cells, its vast majority. The main function is to reduce glucose levels and maintain it in a given amount.
- Cell C produces the hormone somatostatin. It makes up 10% of the total. This hormone regulates and coordinates the external and internal functions of the pancreas.
- PP cells are responsible for the appearance of a digestive polypeptide. The pancreas produces a small amount of the hormone. It can be found in protein metabolism and regulation of bile separation.
- Cell G produces the hormone gastrin in small doses. The main source of its appearance is the gastric mucosa. It affects the appearance of digestive juice, and also regulates the content of its components.
This is not the whole list of emitted substances. The pancreas secretes the hormone C-peptide, which is part of insulin and is found in carbohydrate metabolism. To determine its number, blood is taken for research. Based on its results, it is concluded how much insulin is produced by the gland. In other words, establish the insufficiency or excess of the substance in question.
Other hormones produced by the pancreas are contained in small quantities. Their necessary volume is formed by other bodies. An example is the hormone thyroliberin, secreted in a significant amount by the hypothalamus.
Insulin
As previously reported, insulin is a significant element that occurs in various processes. It plays a special role in the metabolism of carbohydrates. In addition, it is present in biochemical reactions that occur throughout life. Main functions:
- Regulation of glucose metabolism. The hormone is transported to various muscles and prevents the onset of glycemia.
- Ensuring the vital activity of the body by filling the liver and other muscles with glucose.
- The accumulation of the required amount of glucose and its deposition in the form of glycogen in the liver and muscles.
- Acceleration of the appearance of lipids and subsequently participation in lipid metabolism.
- Coordination of protein metabolism. Promotes the synthesis of a sufficient number of amino acids, which contribute to the rapid growth of cells.
The main function is to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood and transfer the required amount to the organs, muscles and tissues. The hormone produced by the pancreas, insulin, transforms glucose into glycogen. The latter, in turn, accumulates in the liver and is a source of vital activity in dangerous situations. The list of advantages of insulin does not end there. Insufficiency of this hormone leads to metabolic disorders.
Hormone glucagon
The amount of glucagon in the blood, compared with the previous hormone, is several times less. However, carbohydrate metabolism is not complete without it, and also with its help the control of blood glucose level is provided. Glucagon is a product of insulin, therefore, increases the amount of sugar in the blood. However, this is only one of the functions of the hormone. He takes part in other processes:
- helps in the destruction of fats and controls the amount of cholesterol;
- participates in the metabolism of magnesium and relieves the body of excess sodium and phosphorus;
- supports the performance of the heart;
- affects the production of insulin by B-cells;
- controls the amount of cholesterol and brings it to a normal state;
- restores damaged areas of the liver;
- when an overvoltage occurs, a large amount of glucose enters the bloodstream, which, when interacting with adrenaline, gives additional energy.
Cells produce glucagon under the following circumstances:
- low blood sugar
- physical exercise;
- malnutrition in various diets;
- occurrence of overvoltage;
- hit in the blood of a high dose of adrenaline.
The lack of this hormone in the blood indicates various diseases, such as pancreatitis. Excess glucagon indicates the occurrence of glucagon (tumor). In this case, the level of the substance rises to high limits. Also, an excess of glucagon indicates diabetes, pancreatitis and cirrhosis.
Hormone somatostatin
Another significant hormone is somatostatin. It is produced by C cells in the pancreas and intestines. In addition, it is on the list of hormones produced by the hypothalamus. The name "somatostatin" is its main purpose. It reduces the production of other hormones and nutrients that are found in the human body.
The main functions of somatostatin:
- sugar reduction;
- restraining the production of the main hormones and substances that are found in the body;
- affects the formation of gastrin and hydrochloric acid;
- regulates blood circulation in the abdomen;
- restraining the breakdown of sugars in food;
- effects on the synthesis of digestive substances.
By examining pancreatic hormones and their characteristics, scientists were able to develop drugs.
Medicines Containing Insulin
Pancreatic hormone preparations can be made from natural and synthetic substances. They are used to treat diseases in which insulin deficiency is observed. In practice, three types are used: pork, beef and human. Most often, the first type is used. All drugs undergo a thorough filtration. As a result, crystalline, monopic and monocomponent agents are formed. To date, obtaining insulin is carried out from the gland of animals, as well as other methods:
- from chemical elements;
- extraction of substances from the pancreas;
- the use of semi-synthetics;
- genetically engineered.
Semi-synthetics and the gene method are used more often. The first type of hormone is obtained from pig insulin. At the same time, alanine amino acids are replaced with threonine. In the future, all drugs will be produced by genetic engineering.
By the duration of the action of the hormone is:
- Simple - an insignificant duration of action, substances are contained in the body for 3 hours. These pure insulins are administered subcutaneously.
- Long-term effect - It is a suspension of insulin with a high content of ionized zinc.
- A mixed effect is a crystalline substance based on insulin and zinc, which is made from beef insulin.
Glucagon Medicines
Pancreatic hormones produced by cells A and B are closely related. The latter are used to increase the amount of glucose in the body. Due to its antispasmodic effect, it is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, as well as in mental disorders. The medicine can be administered by any method: intravenously, intramuscularly and subcutaneously.
Somatostatin Medicines
In the medical documentation, there are other names for this hormone: modastatin and stylamine. It is used in the treatment of ulcers, problems with the esophagus, gastritis and other diseases in which heavy blood loss occurs. Somatostatin is necessary for a person with the formation of ulcers and other formations in the pancreas, intestines and gall bladder.
The drug enters the body with a dropper. Introduced in a few days.
Using
All medicines made from pancreatic hormones are not recommended to be used alone. First you need to undergo a medical examination and pass the necessary tests. The hormonal drug is selected by the endocrinologist according to the results of the study. Overdose leads to serious consequences. With an excess of insulin in the body, the glucose level drops. It threatens with a coma or death.
Setting goals
Pancreatic hormones are distributed through the blood through the organs along with oxygen and nutrient enzymes. They play an important role in the human body.
Pancreatic hormones perform the following functions:
- Tissue growth and repair.
- Participation in metabolic processes.
- Regulation of sugar, calcium and other substances that are found in the body.
Pancreatic hormones may be deficient or overabundant. This leads to various diseases. Determining the cause and curing it is a difficult task that requires a lot of effort. The diagnosis is made by an endocrinologist based on studies and laboratory tests. Be sure to do blood chemistry and hormone analysis.
The most common disease is diabetes. The pancreas must be protected, as there are many other serious diseases that negatively affect a person’s life.
Pancreatitis
Another disease is pancreatitis. To cure it, you must adhere to a diet - this is the main rule. If it is not observed, the disease can go into the chronic stage.
With pancreatitis or another pancreatic disease, the following symptoms are observed:
- pain on the left side;
- sweating
- yellow skin and eye proteins;
- weakness;
- vomiting
- diarrhea;
- heat.
To avoid problems with the pancreas, you must adhere to several rules. First of all, follow a certain diet. It is forbidden to eat smoked, spicy, salty foods, as well as give up bad habits. Eat should be in small doses 5-6 times a day.
Important! The daily diet should make up for the cost of physical activity.
The fate of the pancreas depends on the person. When realizing the seriousness of the disease of this organ, the patient will have a chance to save an important organ. Violation can occur in any part. The main thing is to diagnose and start treatment on time.
Important! Self-medication is strictly prohibited.
Self-medication has always been hazardous to health. Yes, it is very often possible to cure the disease, but also at least due to improper use of drugs, more serious problems develop. It is better to spend money on specialists and high-quality medicines than to grab hold of the last strings of life.