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Méry P-F, Brechler V, Pavoine C, Pecker F, Fischmeister R. Glucagon stimulates the cardiac Ca2+ current by activation of adenylyl cyclase and inhibition of phosphodiesterase. Nature. 1990; 345:(6271)158-161 https://doi.org/10.1038/345158a0

National Poisons Information Service. Toxbase: Propranolol. https://www.toxbase.org/poisons-index-a-z/p-products/propranolol---------/ (accessed 15 April 2020)

Alternate uses for pancreatic hormones

02 May 2020
Volume 2 · Issue 5

Check your answers on page 258

10.12968/jprp.2020.2.5.224

Glucagon is a hormone secreted by the pancreatic alpha cells, which cause the mobilisation of hepatic glycogen stores. The most widespread licensed use of this medication is in the treatment of hypoglycaemia in insulin-treated diabetics, though it also has some diagnostic uses (eMC, 2015). What is slightly less well-known is that glucagon has positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on cardiac muscle, mediated via mechanisms independent of catecholamine (Méry, 1990). Patients having received an overdose of beta blocker medications, such as propranolol or atenolol, are likely to show signs of bradycardia and systemic hypotension. Traditional treatments for these symptoms, such as adrenaline or noradrenaline, are unlikely to produce an adequate therapeutic effect, as the beta adrenoceptors they usually exert an action on are blocked by the beta blocker. To treat bradycardia in a patient with beta blocker overdose, large doses of glucagon for its cardiac effects may be required until the patient recovers.

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