glucagon
/ˈɡluːkəɡɒn/
Definition
A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels, whose name is incorporated into the term for the receptor (GLP-1R) that regulates metabolic and psychiatric health.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Greek 'glukys' (sweet) and 'agein' (to lead or produce), reflecting its function in stimulating the production of sugar in the blood. It was coined in the 1920s by biochemists to describe this specific pancreatic hormone.
In the news
In this article, 'glucagon' appears as part of the name 'glucagon-like peptide-1,' which refers to the receptor targeted by medications being studied for their potential to treat both obesity and mental health conditions.
GLP-1 receptor activation linked to lower depression and bipolar disorder odds
Read the full article ↗News-Medical