What are the target cells of insulin and glucagon?

Liver cells are the target cells for insulin and glucagon. Insulin and glucagon are instrumental in the regulation of blood glucose levels, allowing cells to receive proper nutrients.

The liver contains glucagon receptors. When stimulated by glucagon, these receptors enable glucose release through the activation of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. These processes activate adenal cyclase, which raises cyclic adenosine monophosphate in target cells.

When affected by insulin, liver cells are stimulated to conduct glucose uptake. Insulin binds to the target cells and allows the cell to pull glucose in through its membranes via signal transduction. The glucose is then used as an energy source for the cell.