1. The Pancreas

2. The Pancreas

3. Functions of the Pancreas
1. Exocrine Gland – Digestive System
Pancreatic juices released into small intestine
for chemical digestion (catabolism).
Amylase (pancreatic) - enzyme that
digests starch.
Lipase - enzyme that digests lipids.
Protease - enzyme that digests proteins.

4. Also in pancreatic juices:
Sodium Bicarbonate - neutralizes HCl.
Additional Digestive Enzymes
Trypsinogen trypsin digests protein
(zymogens)
Ribonuclease digests RNA.
Deoxyribonuclease digests DNA.

6. -cells site of insulin synthesis.
2. Endocrine Gland – Regulates Metabolism
The islets of Langerhans (Pancreatic islets)
are clusters of endocrine cells in the pancreas.
-cells site of insulin synthesis.
-cells site of glucagon synthesis.
*Ghrelin – also from pancreas (and fundus
of stomach), triggers hunger.
delta-cells site of somatostatin synthesis.

7. The Glycemic Index (GI)

8. Insulin and Glucagon Insulin: peptide hormone made by  cells
If blood glucose rises (e.g. after a meal)
insulin is released.
Insulin causes cells in body to take up
glucose (e.g. ↓ blood glucose).
Also causes liver to synthesize glycogen
and other anabolic activities.

9. Glucagon: peptide hormone made by  cells
If blood glucose falls (e.g. in between meals)
glucagon is released.
Causes liver to hydrolyze glycogen into glucose (e.g. ↑ blood glucose)
Also causes fats and proteins to be converted into
glucose (called gluconeogenisis)
and other catabolic activities.

10. When blood Glucose is high Insulin is released to make
blood Glucose lower (normal)
Cells in your body
up-take the glucose

11. When blood Glucose is low Glucagon is released to make
blood Glucose higher (normal)
Liver is key site:
Hepatocytes liberate Glucose stores (glycogen) and use fats & proteins to make more glucose *
*Glycogenolysis

12. Diabetes Mellitus Type I – “Juvenile Onset” (IDDM)
Type II – “Adult Onset” (NIDDM)

13. Neurons can only use glucose!
and don’t require insulin (use Glut-2-trans).
Low blood glucose, e.g., hypoglycemia, can impair CNS resulting in dizziness, speech problems and loss of consciousness.
Unconsciousness => “hypoglycemic coma" often resulting from "insulin shock”.

14. Insulin
Levels

15. The Glycemic Index (GI)

17. Comparison of Molecules (120 Kcal each)
Glucose
Sucrose
Ethanol
2 slices of bread.
1 glass of orange juice.
1 shot of bourbon.

18. Glucose Sucrose Ethanol ↑ Aldehydes ↑ Aldehydes 2 slices of bread
1 glass of orange juice
1 shot of bourbon
60 kcal glucose +
60 kcal fructose
Starch => glucose
CNS Depressant
~96 kcal used by all
cells in body
~48 kcal used by all
cells in body
~24 kcal used by all
cells in body
~24 kcal hits Liver
for Metabolism
~72 kcal hits Liver
for Metabolism
~96 kcal hits Liver
for Metabolism
Glucose-6-℗
Glucose-6-℗
↑ Aldehydes
↑ Acetate
↑ Citrate
↑ VLDL
↑ Aldehydes
↑ Uric acid
↑ VLDL + ↓NO = ↑BP
Makes Glycogen
~0.5 kcal used for
de novo Lipogenesis
↑ de novo Lipogenesis
↑ de novo Lipogenesis
↑ Insulin
Dislipidemia
Inhibits Ghrelin
No effect on Ghrelin
↑Insulin resistance

20. Metabolic Syndrome
Numerous metabolic risk factors in one individual, including:
High Blood Pressure
Abdominal Fat
High blood Triglyceride levels
High Uric Acid levels
Insulin resistance
State of chronic Inflammation
Risks - cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes mellitus. Est. over 50 million Americans have this condition.
Hypothesized link to over consumption of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and metabolic syndrome.