Chemical Properties
White or almost white powder
Uses
Hormone; treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Uses
Insulin, from porcine pancreas, is used in the determination of the beta-cell reserve during glucose tolerance test or after a carbohydrate rich meal, as a guide for the instauration of insulin therapy, contribution to the diagnosis of insulin and non-insulin-dependent diabetes, characterisation and follow-up of states of glucose intolerance, diagnosis and study of cases of insulin resistance, diagnosis of insulinoma and other causes of hypoglycemia.
Biological Functions
Insulin has anabolic properties that include the stimulation of both skeletal muscle and liver cells to incorporate glucose and convert it to glycogen, to synthesize proteins from amino acids in the blood, and to act on fat cells to enhance their uptake of glucose and the synthesis of fat. In short, insulin encourages anabolism rather than catabolism, because it promotes the synthesis of glycogen, proteins, and lipids. A deficiency of insulin, which characterizes the disease diabetes mellitus (DM), causes extreme changes in the entire metabolic pattern of individuals with DM. Patients with DM often demonstrate elevated blood glucose levels, excess glucose in the urine, and failure to properly utilize carbohydrate and lipids.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Two-chain polypeptide hormone produced by the β-cells of pancreatic islets. Its molecular weight is ~5800 Da. The α and β chains are joined by two interchain disulfide bonds. The α chain contains an intrachain disulfide bond. Insulin regulates the cellular uptake, utilization, and storage of glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids and inhibits the breakdown of glycogen, protein, and fat.
