Page 187 - BIOCHEMISTRY II
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Hypoglycemia
• Definition: Decrease of blood glucose levels below normal average
concentration (less than 45 mg/dl).
• Effects: cerebral dysfunction, coma and death.
• Mechanisms that correct hypoglycemia:
– Short term-regulation
• Alpha cells of langerhans release glucagon.
• Hypothalamic receptors stimulates secretion of epinephrine.
– Long-term regulation
• Secretion of anterior pituitary hormones.
– Growth hormone (insulin antagonists).
– ACTH: stimulate secretion of glucocorticoids which
activates gluconeogenesis.
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