Somatostatin: Comprehensive Research Guide

Overview

Somatostatin (also known as growth hormone-inhibiting hormone, GHIH) is a peptide hormone that inhibits the secretion of growth hormone and various other hormones. It acts as a broad inhibitor of endocrine function and plays important roles in regulating hormone secretion.

Mechanism of Action

Hormone Inhibition

• **GH Inhibition': Suppresses growth hormone secretion
• **Broad Inhibition': Inhibits multiple hormones
• **Receptor Binding': Binds to somatostatin receptors
• **Negative Feedback': Part of negative feedback loops

Physiological Roles

• **GI Function': Regulates gastrointestinal function
• **Insulin': Suppresses insulin secretion
• **Glucagon': Suppresses glucagon secretion
• **Gastrin': Suppresses gastrin secretion

Research Applications

Medical Applications

• **Acromegaly': Treatment of acromegaly
• **Tumors': Treatment of hormone-secreting tumors
• **GI Bleeding': Treatment of GI bleeding
• **Pancreatitis': Treatment of pancreatitis

Research

• **Hormone Regulation': Research into hormone control
• **Metabolic Disorders': Research into metabolic conditions

Dosage

• **Medical': Dose varies by condition
• **Research': Dose-dependent, protocols vary
• **Administration': Intravenous or subcutaneous
• **Half-Life': Very short half-life (1-3 minutes)

Side Effects

• **GI Effects': Gastrointestinal effects
• **Hypoglycemia': Low blood sugar possible
• **Gallstones': Increased risk of gallstones
• **GI Upset': Possible GI upset

Storage

• **Temperature': 2-8°C (refrigerated)
• **Light': Protect from light
• **Stability': Very short half-life

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