Somatostatin

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Somatostatin is a peptide hormone that regulates the endocrine system and affects neurotransmission and cell proliferation via interaction with G protein-coupled somatostatin receptors and inhibition of the release of numerous secondary hormones.

Discovery[edit | edit source]

Somatostatin was discovered in 1973 by Roger Guillemin and Andrew V. Schally, two neuroendocrinologists who were later awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1977 for their work.

Structure and Function[edit | edit source]

Somatostatin is a peptide hormone composed of 14 amino acids. It is produced in several parts of the body, particularly the hypothalamus, the pancreas, and the gastrointestinal tract. In the hypothalamus, it functions to inhibit the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. In the pancreas, it inhibits the secretion of both insulin and glucagon. In the gastrointestinal tract, it reduces the rate of gastric emptying and reduces smooth muscle contractions and blood flow within the intestine.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Somatostatin has been used clinically for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including acromegaly, a condition characterized by excessive growth hormone; thyrotropinoma, a rare tumor of the anterior pituitary gland; and certain types of gastrointestinal bleeding. Synthetic forms of somatostatin, such as octreotide and lanreotide, are used in these treatments.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit source]

Latest articles - Somatostatin

PubMed
Clinical trials
UpToDate

AI tools[edit source]

Generative AI tools and links to learn more on Somatostatin: ChatGPT - Bing Chat - Google Gemini. (caution advised).


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD