Influence of somatostatin on carbohydrate absorption in human small intestine

Oral carbohydrate tolerance tests with xylose, galactose and lactose were performed. After an interval of at least 24 h the same tests were repeated following an i.v. bolus and during infusion of somatostatin. Somatostatin does not influence xylose absorption. However, absorption of galactose and lactose is significantly reduced (p less than 0.01/0.008) during somatostatin infusion. On the other hand, serum levels of galactose remain unchanged despite administration of somatostatin, when galactose is given parenterally. The results support the assumption that the absorption process in small intestine is affected by somatostatin. Possible effects of somatostatin on hormones regulating the intestinal absorption and on energy-depending carrier mechanisms are discussed.