Stress-Response
Acute Stress Response: Metabolic
Purpose: to increase levels of glucose within the bloodstream
Background:
- energy substrates are stored in the body in several forms: 1) excess fats are stored in adipose tissue as triglycerides, 2) amino acids are stored throughout the body as proteins, and 3) glucose is stored throughout the body as glycogen
- two hormones secreted by the pancreas play an important role in controlling the levels of blood sugar (glucose): 1) ?-cells in the pancreas secrete insulin--a key hormone involved in storage of glucose and the synthesis of proteins and fatty acids, 2) ?-cells in the pancreas secrete glucagon--a key hormone for the release of glucose into the bloodstream
- secretion of insulin and glucagon maintain glucose homeostasis under low stress conditions
- Ex. After a meal, glucose levels are high and ?-cells secrete insulin allowing for the transport of glucose from blood into cells for storage; several hours after the meal, glucose levels drop and ?-cells secrete glucagon which then acts to increase the release of glucose from stores until the next meal.