Effects of pro-opiomelanocortin-derived peptides on plasma levels of glucagon, insulin and glucose.

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is a prohormone for several peptides including corticotropin, melanocyte stimulating hormones and beta-endorphin. POMC-derived peptides have been demonstrated in many tissues, including the hypothalamus and the endocrine pancreas, which play important roles in the control of plasma levels of glucagon, insulin and glucose. This article reviews the present knowledge concerning in vitro and in vivo effects of POMC-derived peptides on glucagon, insulin and glucose levels involving several possible mechanisms: direct effects on the endocrine pancreas (including endocrine, paracrine and peptidergic regulation) and glucose production, and indirect effects involving the hypothalamus, the autonomic nervous system and the adrenal gland.