Inhibitory role of somatostatin on calcitonin secretion

Calcitonin (CT) secretion is not exclusively controlled by calcemia, but the secretory tonus is maintained by the beta-stimulatory adrenergic system Somatostatin (SMS) plays a neuromodulatory role with the reduction of CT secretion by its interference at the central and peripheral level of the beta adrenergic receptors. The experiments were carried out on groups of rats in which the effect of SMS on CT content of the thyroid gland was followed up. Thus, SMS administered i.c.v. significantly reduced the basal CT secretion without blocking the stimulatory effect of calcium. The results were comparable with those obtained after the blockade of the sympatho-adrenergic system by chemical sympathectomy with 6HODA or propranolol. Central blockade of alpha receptors with phentolamine determined a significant rise of CT. This effect was annihilated by SMS. The i.v. administration of SMS did not induce a change in CT content of the thyroid, but blocked the stimulatory action of hypercalcemia. The results are identical with those obtained by blocking the beta-receptors with propranolol. SMS also blocked the stimulatory effects of isoproterenol on CT secretion. The data obtained revealed the fact that SMS lowers CT secretion by the central and peripheral interference of the sympatho-adrenergic path, maintaining the secretory tonus of the thyroid C cells.