Answer
The hormones of importance in regulating the post-absorptive conditions are glucagon, epinephrine (catecholamines), cortisol and growth hormone/somatotropin(GH/STH). The sympathetic nervous system (ANS) also plays important roles in this-- the post-absorptive --set of circumstances.
Glucagon which is secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas has the following effects: it promotes glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis and causes blood glucose to rise. In addition it stimulates lipolysis and this causes an increase in serum fatty acids (FFA). The overall effectis to increase the amount of circulating glucose and lipids for use as fuel.
Epinephrine from ANS and adrenals medulla mobilizes stored energy reserves-- from adipocytes, hepatocytes and myocytesand makes them available as fuel and for tissue repair.
The effect of cortisol in the post-absorptive situation is to promote fat and protein catabolism, and gluconeogenesis
Somatotropin (GH) is an anterior pituitary hormone that opposes the actions of insulin: as blood glucose levels fall, GH secretion increases and functions to oppose plasma level decline.
Work Step by Step
Cortisol promotes glycogenolysis and makes available the metabolites used in gluconeogenesis.
