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Somatostatin--physiological and pathophysiological aspects
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. Supplement
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Somatostatin, found in the gut and pancreas, acts as a hormone regulating gastrointestinal and pancreatic functions. Its release is influenced by nutrients and neural signals, playing a role in conditions like diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurogastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
Background:
- Somatostatin, initially isolated from the hypothalamus, is abundant in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas.
- Its localization suggests roles as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, paracrine substance, and endocrine hormone.
- Evidence points to somatostatin's release into the gastrointestinal lumen and circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize evidence on somatostatin release into the gastrointestinal lumen and its potential actions.
- To present evidence for splanchnic somatostatin release into circulation post-meal in various species.
- To elucidate the biological role of circulating somatostatin in regulating gastrointestinal and pancreatic functions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on somatostatin release and function.
- Studies involving low-dose synthetic somatostatin infusions.
- Neutralization of somatostatin activity using specific antibodies.
- Analysis of factors regulating somatostatin release, including nutrients, neural mechanisms, and hormones.
- Investigation of the somatostatin-insulin interaction.
Main Results:
- Circulating somatostatin post-meal prevents exaggerated exocrine/endocrine responses in the GI tract and pancreas.
- Gastric and pancreatic somatostatin release is modulated by nutrients, neural pathways, histamine, prostaglandins, opiates, and GI hormones.
- Insulin significantly influences basal and postprandial somatostatin release.
- Alterations in somatostatin levels in diseases like peptic ulceration and diabetes appear secondary to other factors.
Conclusions:
- Postprandial somatostatin release into circulation plays a crucial inhibitory role in gastrointestinal and pancreatic functions.
- Nutrient intake and neural mechanisms tightly regulate somatostatin release.
- Somatostatin's role in pathophysiological states is likely secondary, but plasma levels can aid in diagnosing somatostatin-producing tumors.