The alpha cell is critical for the full incretin effect 1

Classically, glucagon is viewed as a counter-regulatory hormone that opposes insulin action. Yet, glucagon stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, suggesting a more complex role for this hormone in glucose homeostasis. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is an incretin that potentiates insulin secretion at high glucose and glucagon secretion in the presence of amino acids, indicating these cells have preferential nutrient settings. Moreover, the receptor for GIP is expressed in a-cells and is involved in glucagon secretion. In this webinar, Drs Megan Capozzi and Kimberley El will discuss their recent work on alpha-cell to beta-cell communication through proglucagon products and how this system is utilized by GIP to control insulin secretion and postprandial glucose homeostasis.