Modification of somatostatin content and binding in jejunum from celiac children

The concentration of somatostatin was studied in controls as well as in plasma and jejunal mucosa from celiac children with and without jejunal villous atrophy. The binding of somatostatin to cytosolic fraction, isolated from jejunal mucosa from celiac patients and controls, was also investigated. Fasting plasma somatostatin concentrations were not significantly different among the various groups studied. However, the jejunal somatostatin content was significantly higher in the group of celiac children with subtotal villous atrophy as compared to control group and celiac children with normal villous architecture. The binding of somatostatin to cytosol of jejunal mucosa was significantly decreased in the group of celiac children with subtotal villous atrophy. The present results suggest that somatostatin may be involved in the pathophysiological processes of celiac disease.