Neural control of the endocrine pancreas

The endocrine pancreas contains alpha and beta cells that secrete glucagon and insulin, which regulate glucose homeostasis [1][2]. Insulin secretion is stimulated by rising blood glucose levels as well as acetylcholine release from vagal parasympathetic nerves [3][4]. Glucose-sensing neurons in the hypothalamus also modulate insulin secretion by activating sympathetic nerves during hypoglycemia [5][6]. Glucagon secretion is stimulated by falling glucose levels and by sympathetic noradrenergic signaling [2][3]. Insulin provides negative feedback to the endocrine pancreas by suppressing further insulin release [1][4]. Disruption of these neural mechanisms contributes to dysregulated insulin and glucagon secretion in diabetes [3][6].