Question

The function of enteroglucagon hormone is:

• A. Control blood glucose levels.
• B. Control of intestinal cell growth
• C. Stimulates gastrointestinal motility
• D. Gastric acid secretion

Hint:

Remember that GLP-2 (a major component of enteroglucagon) is famous in gastroenterology as a mucosal growth factor.
It is used clinically to stimulate bowel growth and adaptation in patients with Short Bowel Syndrome.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Enteroglucagon is a family of glucagon-like peptide hormones (predominantly GLP-1 and GLP-2) secreted by the enteroendocrine L-cells of the distal small intestine and colon in response to the ingestion of nutrients.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The enteroglucagon peptide family exhibits highly specialized physiological functions:
- Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2): This enteroglucagon peptide is a highly potent, tissue-specific intestinal trophic hormone.
It binds to receptors on enteric neurons and myofibroblasts, stimulating the release of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and other growth factors.
This promotes crypt cell proliferation, inhibits enterocyte apoptosis, and increases nutrient absorption capacity, thereby directly controlling intestinal cell growth and mucosal regeneration.
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1): This acts as an incretin, stimulating insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon secretion, and also delays gastric emptying (inhibiting gastrointestinal motility, opposite of option C).
- Enteroglucagon also acts to inhibit gastric acid secretion (opposite of option D).
Therefore, the most direct and classic function attributed specifically to enteroglucagon (particularly GLP-2) is the control of mucosal and intestinal cell growth.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The function of enteroglucagon is the control of intestinal cell growth, which corresponds to option (B).