Alpha cells make up about 15-20% of the cells in the pancreatic islets and produce glucagon. In human islets they are mixed among the beta cells.
| Location | Pancreatic islets throughout the pancreas, especially the body and tail |
|---|---|
| Secretes |
|
| Nerve Supply | Vagus nerve (parasympathetic); Coeliac plexus (sympathetic) |
| Blood Supply | Splenic artery branches; Pancreaticoduodenal arteries |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Release glucagon when blood glucose falls, prompting the liver to release glucose; also respond to exercise and amino acids.
In type 1 diabetes the glucagon response to low blood sugar is often lost, making severe hypoglycaemia more likely. Rare glucagon-secreting tumours cause diabetes, weight loss and a typical migrating rash.
A rare alpha cell tumour causing diabetes, weight loss and necrolytic migratory erythema.
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