Evidence for hormonal inhibition of exocrine pancreatic function by somatostatin 28 in humans

Somatostatin 28 (S-28), originating in gastrointestinal cells, is secreted into the circulation and increases in humans after ingestion of a mixed meal. To evaluate the possibility that the increased levels of S-28 post cibum might modulate the release of enzymes and bicarbonate from the exocrine pancreas, S-28 was infused intravenously into healthy volunteers to levels seen after food intake. During S-28 infusion, the output of lipase, trypsin, amylase, and bicarbonate stimulated by either exogenous cholecystokinin octapeptide or endogenous signals from intraduodenal administration of tryptophan or a mixture of amino acids was significantly reduced. It is concluded that S-28 released from the gut during food intake modulates pancreatic exocrine function in humans.