Which hormones are said to perform gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis?

• A. Glucagon, ACTH, Thyroxine
• B. Insulin, Somatostatin, Ghrelin
• C. Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Cortisol
• D. Growth Hormone, ADH, Calcitonin

Answer: (A)

The processes of making glucose in the liver and breaking down glycogen are driven by hormones that raise hepatic glucose output. Glucagon is the primary driver; it binds to receptors on liver cells and activates a cascade that promotes both glycogen breakdown (glycogenolysis) and the formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (gluconeogenesis). ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol, and cortisol in turn strongly promotes hepatic gluconeogenesis by upregulating key enzymes and providing substrates. Thyroxine can enhance overall metabolic rate and liver substrate turnover, supporting glucose production under higher energy demand. So, glucagon works directly, while ACTH (via cortisol) and thyroxine contribute to increasing gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, making that combination the best match for these processes. Insulin would oppose these pathways, and the other options mix hormones that either don’t primarily drive or actively suppress glucose production.