In: Anatomy and Physiology
Briefly explain the biphasic release of insulin into circulation. Include in your answer a description of the first and second phases.
Pancreas is both exocrine and endocrine gland.
Exocrine part produces enzymes for the digestion while the endocrine part secretes hormones.
Endocrine part consists of A(alpha) cells which secretes glucagon, B(beta) cells which secretes insulin and amylin, delta cells which secretes somatostatin and F cells
Insulin is a hormone released from the beta cells of islets of langerhans in the pancreas.
Rapid and sustained stimulation of beta cells with glucose induces biphasic insulin secretion whch cosists of a transient first phase and sustained second phase.
Important steps in the secretion of insulin from beta cell includes:
Several other factors like free fatty acids, glucagon like peptide-1(GLP1), Gastric inhibitory peptide(GIP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide(VIP) also stimulate insulin secretion.
First phase
There will be rapid release of preformed insulin from the storage granules of beta cell following a meal. This is called first phase. It promotes peripheral utilization of glucose, suppression of hepatic glucose prduction an dlimits postprandial glucose elevation. It begins within 2 minutes of food intake and lasts for about 10-15 minutes.
Second phase
It is a prolonged phase of insulin secretion by pancreas when glucose enters the bloodstream which lasts for more than an hour.