Octreotide: Comprehensive Research Guide

Overview

Octreotide (Sandostatin) is a synthetic octapeptide analog of somatostatin. It has a longer half-life than natural somatostatin and is used to treat conditions involving excessive hormone secretion, particularly growth hormone in acromegaly and hormones from certain tumors.

Mechanism of Action

Somatostatin Receptor Activation

• Receptor Binding: Binds to somatostatin receptors (SSTR2, SSTR5)
• GH Inhibition: Suppresses growth hormone secretion
• Hormone Suppression: Inhibits various hormone secretions
• Tumor Control: Controls hormone-secreting tumors

Hormonal Effects

• Growth Hormone: Reduces GH levels in acromegaly
• Glucagon: Suppresses glucagon secretion
• Insulin: May suppress insulin secretion
• Gastrin: Suppresses gastrin and gastric acid

Research Applications

Acromegaly Treatment

• GH Reduction: Reduces growth hormone levels
• Symptom Control: Controls acromegaly symptoms
• Tumor Shrinkage: May shrink pituitary tumors
• Long-term: Long-term management option

Tumor Treatment

• Carcinoid: Treatment of carcinoid tumors
• VIPomas: Treatment of VIP-secreting tumors
• Gastrinomas: Treatment of gastrin-secreting tumors
• Glucagonomas: Treatment of glucagon-secreting tumors

Dosage

• Short-acting: 50-200 mcg 2-3 times daily (subcutaneous)
• Long-acting: 20-30 mg monthly (intramuscular depot)
• Acromegaly: Typically 100-200 mcg 3 times daily
• Tumors: Dose varies by condition

Side Effects

• GI Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Gallstones: Increased risk of gallstone formation
• Hypoglycemia: Possible low blood sugar
• Hyperglycemia: Possible high blood sugar
• Injection Site: Reactions at injection site

Storage

• Temperature: 2-8°C (refrigerated)
• Light: Protect from light
• Depot: Long-acting formulation stored differently

This information is for research and educational purposes only. Octreotide is a prescription medication.