Characterization of somatostatin release from the pancreas: the role of potassium

The effect of potassium on somatostatin secretion from the isolated perfused canine pancreas was studied. Potassium stimulated dose-dependent somatostatin release in a monophasic response pattern. The effect of potassium was abolished in the absence of calcium. Perfusion of 1 micronmol/l atropine and 1 micronmol/l propranolol was without effect on the potassium induced somatostatin release. The results suggest that the stimulatory effect of potassium on somatostatin release is secondary to increases in calcium influx into the D cell. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve endings in the pancreas are apparently not involved in the potassium mediated secretory processes.