Somatostatin and its use

Abstract

Somatostatin was discovered more than 40 years ago. It is a peptide with different prevailingly inhibitory effect. Two basic molecules of somatostatin differ particularly in the distribution and length of their action. Somatostatin acts as a hormone, a paracrine and autocrine factor and as a neurotransmitter. The highest concentration of somatostatin producing cells is found in the stomach, duodenum and pancreas. Somatostatin inhibits all, mainly pancreatic and gastric exocrine and endocrine secretion, modulates immunity and affects differentiation and other central nervous system functions. In clinical practice, somatostatin and its longer acting analogues can be used in oesophageal variceal bleeding. It reduces splanchnic circulation dueto its direct effect on the cells of the smooth muscle. Thanks to the inhibition of the pancreatic secretion it can be used in the treatment of fistulas and in their prevention after pancreatic surgery. Somatostatin reduces the risk of pancreatitis after ERCP. It has both a symptomatic and inhibitory effect on neuroendocrine tumours. In the Czech Republic it also plays a roleasanOctreoScan in diagnostics. Somatostatin is also used in acromegaly, meningioma, polycystosis, angiodysplasia, Cushing syndrome and for ascites of unknown origin.