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Immunoassay reagents intended to perform qualitative and/or quantitative analyses on a body fluid sample (e.g., serum, urine) to determine glucagon, a polypeptide secreted by the alpha-cells of the pancreas. Glucagon stimulates the production of glucose and the oxidation of fatty acids in the liver. Increased levels of glucagon are present in patients with mild diabetes mellitus, and in other diseases such as cirrhosis and renal failure; high levels of glucagon (typically more than 500 ng/L) are also found in patients with pancreatic alpha-cell tumors (i.e., glucagonoma).
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