Question

Which of the following pairs of hormones are not antagonistic (having opposite effects) to each other?
A. Parathormone – Calcitonin
B. Insulin – Glucagon
C. Aldosterone – Atrial Natriuretic Factor
D. Relaxin - Inhibin

Answer 1

Hint: These hormones are released by the beta and alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas. One hormone decreases blood glucose level and the other hormone increases the blood glucose level.

Complete Answer:
- Hormones are chemical messengers that are directly isolated from the blood and transported to body tissues and organs to fulfill their functions. Many types of hormones operate on multiple aspects of the function and processes of the body.
- Some include development and growth, food metabolism, sexual activity, reproductive growth and health, cognitive function and mood, body temperature management and thirst etc.
- Parathormone is released from the parathyroid hormone which increases blood calcium by increased bone calcium reabsorption. Calcitonin is separated from the thyroid C cells and works on the blood calcium levels in both bones and the kidneys.
- The islets of Langerhans of pancreas have beta cells which secrete insulin. It affects hepatocytes and adipocytes and enhances the synthesis and use of cellular glucose. Thus, blood glucose levels are decreased. The alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas secrete glucagon. Blood sugar levels are increased through glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.
- Aldosterone is an adrenal cortex secreted mineralocorticoid hormone. It preserves the electrolyte balance in the body by decreasing loss of sodium by urine and sweat. Heart secretes atrial natriuretic factor stimulates sodium excretion in the kidneys.
- Relaxin is a placental protein hormone. The cervix is extended and birth aided. Inhibin is extracted from the ovaries and prevents follicle stimulating hormone release.

Thus, the correct answer is option B. i.e., Insulin - Glucagon.

Note: Many hormones are used to regulate substance concentrations in the body with hormone antagonists. The hormones that have opposite effects on the body are antagonistic. Insulin and glucagon constitute a pair of antagonistic hormones; the effect of insulin is adverse to glucagon.