part of part of develops from pancreatic A cell https://cdn.humanatlas.io/digital-objects/2d-ftu/pancreas-islets-langerhans/v1.2/assets/2d-ftu-pancreas-islets-langerhans.png Pancreatic A cells, also known as alpha cells, are one of the main endocrine cell types found within the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Functionally, these cells are pivotal in glucose metabolism and homeostasis, accounting for about 20% of the total population of cells in the islets. Their primary role involves the synthesis, storage, and secretion of the peptide hormone glucagon, which is critical in energy regulation throughout the body. In response to a decrease in blood glucose levels, the pancreatic A cells are stimulated to secrete glucagon into the bloodstream. Glucagon acts on its target cells, mainly in the liver, to stimulate glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis processes, thereby increasing blood glucose levels back to normal. In this way, pancreatic A cells play an integral role in maintaining glucose homeostasis and preventing hypoglycemia. Pancreatic A cells also participate in the local regulation of islet activities as glucagon acts through glucagon receptors on A, B and D type cells within the islets. Recent studies have also shown that Pancreatic A cells play a role in the generation and regeneration of B type cells. Following beta cell injuries pancreatic A cells increase in numbers and produce Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which increases the proliferation and cytoprotection of beta cells. In response to extreme injury of B type cells pancreatic A cells can transform (transdifferentiate) into functioning B type cells. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) ZFA:0009104 MESH:D050416 alpha cell of islet of Langerhans https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0000171 BTO:0000990 A type A enteroendocrine cell found in the periphery of the islets of Langerhans that secretes glucagon. FMA:70585 pancreatic alpha cell type A enteroendocrine cell progenitor cell of endocrine pancreas pancreatic endocrine cell Homo sapiens islet of Langerhans