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'''Glucagon''' is a chemical used in the body to stimulate secretion of [[glucose]] into the bloodstream. Glucagon itself is produced in the pancreas, where it is stored until [[hypoglycemia]] occurs.  It has an effect opposite that of [[insulin]], which instead reduces the amount of glucose. Specifically, glucagon breaks down [[glycogen]] in the liver into glucose molecules that increase the blood sugar level. Glucagon also has a side effect of creating glucose from proteins, called gluconeogenesis.

'''Glucagon''' is an [[endocrine]] [[hormone]] which acts to raise the level of [[glucose]] in the bloodstream. Glucagon is produced by the [[alpha cells]] of the pancreas, where it is stored until [[hypoglycemia]] occurs.  It has an effect opposite that of [[insulin]], which acts to reduce blood glucose levels. 

In the liver, glucagon stimulates the breakdown of [[glycogen]] into [[glucose]], which is then released into the bloodstream. A similar reaction occurs in muscle tissue, although the glucose produced there is used by the muscle and not released. [[Glycogenolysis]] can maintain blood glucose levels for several hours, until the glycogen stores are depleted.  

 

In the longer term, glucagon also stimulates [[gluconeogenesis]] in the liver and kidneys; a process in which new glucose molecules are created from chemicals released by the breakdown of protein and fat. Thus the body can maintain blood glucose levels over a period of days to weeks at the expense of muscle and fat stores.

 

Glucagon facilitates [[gluconeogenesis]] by directly stimulating [[lipolysis]], the breakdown of stored fats into [[free fatty acids]] which are needed for the production of new glucose molecules.

== References ==

== References ==