Amylin is a peptide hormone that is co-secreted with insulin by the pancreatic beta cells. The spelling of amylin is pronounced as /ˈæmɪlɪn/ and is comprised of five letters. The first letter "a" is pronounced as "ay", the "m" is sounded as "em", the "y" is pronounced as "ee", while "l" has an "el" sound, and finally "in" sounds like "in". The correct spelling of this word is essential in scientific literature to avoid confusion and maintain accuracy in discussions surrounding pancreatic islet biology.
Amylin is a peptide hormone that is primarily secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas along with insulin. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. Amylin acts as a natural partner to insulin, working synergistically to control glucose metabolism.
In terms of its physiological functions, amylin functions to suppress glucagon secretion, a hormone that increases blood glucose levels, thereby promoting glucose uptake and storage. It also slows down gastric emptying, which helps manage post-meal blood sugar spikes. Furthermore, amylin acts on the brain to suppress appetite, leading to reduced food intake.
Amylin is particularly important in individuals with insulin deficiency, such as those with type 1 or advanced type 2 diabetes, as it helps compensate for the lack of insulin. It assists in preventing excessive post-meal glucose elevations and contributes to the overall glycemic control.
In therapeutic applications, synthetic amylin analogs, such as pramlintide, are prescribed to individuals with diabetes. These medications are administered as an adjunct to insulin therapy to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Pramlintide acts similarly to natural amylin, helping to regulate glucose levels, suppress appetite, and slow down gastric emptying.
In summary, amylin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that works alongside insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, suppress appetite, and control post-meal glucose excursions.
The cellulose of starch, the insoluble envelope of starch-grains.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "amylin" is derived from two sources: "amylo" and "in".
The term "amylon" comes from the Greek word "amylon" (ἄμυλον), meaning "starch". Starch is a complex carbohydrate that serves as a storage form of energy in plants.
The suffix "in" is commonly used in biochemistry and refers to a substance or molecule. It is derived from the Latin suffix "-inus" and the Greek suffix "-inos" (ῖνος).
Therefore, "amylin" combines "amylo", referring to starch, with the suffix "in", indicating a substance or molecule. As a result, "amylin" represents a bioactive peptide hormone involved in regulating blood sugar levels that is secreted alongside insulin from the pancreatic beta cells.