Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone that functions as an antagonist to insulin, stimulating the conversion of glycogen to glucose and increasing blood sugar levels. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) and PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide) are members of the Glucagon family of hormones. GLP-1 functions as a transmitter in the central nervous system, inhibiting feeding and drinking behavior, whereas GLP-2 is a stimulator of intestinal epithelial growth. VIP causes vasodilation resulting in the lowering of blood pressure. PACAP is abundant in the hypothalamus and has been shown to increase the synthesis of several hormones, including growth hormone.
