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Published on: November 7, 2015
Somatostatinergic systems in brain: networks and functions
Cécile Viollet1, Gabriel Lepousez, Catherine Loudes
1Inserm, UMR 549, Paris, France.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|November 13, 2007
Summary
Somatostatin peptide and its receptors play key roles in the mammalian brain. These systems influence motor activity, sleep, cognition, and are implicated in brain diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroendocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Somatostatin is a peptide widely expressed in the mammalian brain.
- It interacts with six G-protein-coupled receptors (sst1-5).
- Recent neuroanatomical studies reveal somatostatin neuron and receptor distributions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the functional roles of somatostatin systems in neuronal networks.
- To understand the neuromodulatory functions of somatostatin beyond its neuroendocrine roles.
- To explore the involvement of somatostatin systems in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advances in neuroanatomy of somatostatin neurons.
- Analysis of cellular distribution data for somatostatin receptors (sst1-5).
- Integration of findings on somatostatin system functions and disease associations.
Main Results:
- Somatostatin systems exhibit significant neuromodulatory functions in the brain.
- These functions include regulation of motor activity, sleep, sensory processing, and cognitive processes.
- Alterations in somatostatin systems are observed in conditions like affective disorders, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusions:
- Somatostatin systems are crucial for normal brain function.
- Dysregulation of somatostatin signaling is linked to various brain pathologies.
- Further research into these systems may offer therapeutic targets for neurological diseases.
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