Glucagon ELISA Kits

Glucagon is the most important counter‑regulatory hormone opposing insulin and has the effect of raising blood glucose levels. It is secreted by pancreatic α cells and mainly targets hepatic cells^1-2). Glucagon is known to have the following three major physiological functions: glycogenolysis in the liver, stimulation of gluconeogenesis, and lipolysis in adipose tissue.

(1) glycogenolysis in the liver
Glucagon promotes the breakdown of glycogen stored in the liver, resulting in the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
(2) stimulation of gluconeogenesis
Glucagon promotes gluconeogenesis—the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate substrates—and helps maintain blood glucose levels.
(3) lipolysis in adipose tissue
Glucagon promotes the breakdown of fat in adipose tissue, releasing fatty acids into the bloodstream, where they can be used as an energy source.

By binding specifically to glucagon receptors (GCGRs), glucagon promotes the degradation of hepatic glycogen, thereby raising blood glucose levels³⁾.
GLP-1R, GCGRs, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors (GIPRs) play central roles in energy regulation and are therefore key therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases. Some mono-agonists that act on one of these receptors—such as GLP‑1R agonists—have already been developed. Current attention is focused on the development of triple agonists that activate all three receptors. Triple agonists have the potential to reduce the risk of both hyperglycemia and obesity, and several candidates have already entered clinical trials⁴⁾.

Glucagon is a peptide hormone comprising 29 amino acids and secreted from α cells in the islets of Langerhans. Physiologically, it acts on liver to degrade glycogen to glucose and increase blood glucose levels. Together with insulin, it plays an important role in maintaining blood glucose level.
This kit is a sandwich ELISA for the quantitative measurement of glucagon in samples, using monoclonal antibodies that recognize the N- and C-terminus of glucagon, respectively. The assay with this kit shows low cross-reactivity, if any, to glucagon-related peptides such as glicentin, oxyntomodulin, GLP-1 or GLP-2.

Kit Performance

Analysis sample	Human Serum/Plasma(EDTA) Mouse Serum/Plasma(EDTA) Rat Serum/Plasma(EDTA) Culture medium
Calibration curve range	2.2-143.6 pmol/L (7.8-500 pg/mL)
Sample volume	10 μL
Measurement duration	Approx. 20 hours
Wavelength	Primary wavelength 450 nm Reference wavelength 620 nm

Example of Calibration Curve Range

Assay Principle

This kit is a sandwich ELISA that uses monoclonal antibodies recognizing the N- and C-terminus of glucagon. It enables highly sensitive measurement with a small sample volume of only 10 μL.

Cross-Reactivity

In addition to glicentin and oxyntomodulin, several other peptides structurally similar to glucagon have been identified. This kit has been confirmed to exhibit virtually no cross-reactivity with these related peptides.

Correlation with Products from Other Competitors

Measurements were conducted on the same samples (n=78) of serum from human using this kit and competitor's product M. The measurement values obtained using both products were then compared.

1. John, H. F. & Willard, O. R. : ENDOCRINOLOGY., 54 (3), 303 (1954).
   THE ACTIVITY OF EXTRACTED PANCREATIC HYPERGLYCEMIC-GLYCOGENOLYTIC FACTOR AFTER COBALTOUS CHLORIDE AND SYNTHALIN A
2. Vuylsteke, C. A. & de Duve, C. : Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry., 61 (2), 275 (1953).
   [Influence of glucagon on the action of insulin]
3. Huypens, P. et al . : Diabetologia., 43 (8), 1012 (2000).
   Glucagon receptors on human islet cells contribute to glucose competence of insulin release
   
4. Seidelmann, S. B. et al . : Lancet Public Health., 3 (9), E419 (2018).
   Dietary carbohydrate intake and mortality: a prospective cohort study and meta-analysis