Somatostatin-induced changes in the hemostasis of rats

Somatostatin (SRIF) given intravenously, either as a single bolus or as a 2 hr infusion caused a significant prolongation of partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and depressed platelet counts and platelet aggregation in the rat. Following daily injections of protamin-zinc SRIF for 2 weeks the platelet count returned to normal, PTT remained prolonged and platelet aggregation was enhanced. The doses of SRIF used in this work were adequate to suppress the secretion of insulin and glucagon by the isolated pancreatic islets of treated animals.