Autonomic function and control of pancreatic somatostatin

In the canine pancreas alpha and beta adrenergic receptors exist on D cells with alpha stimulation inhibiting and beta stimulation increasing somatostatin release. There are no dopaminergic receptors on D cells. Stimulation of muscarinic receptors causes mild inhibition of somatostatin secretion. Autonomic receptors on the D cell may be physiologically stimulated in vivo via local ganglionic and/or central autonomic drivers.