Somatostatin

Somatostatin is also known as GHIH, which stands for growth hormone inhibiting hormone. Another name for it is SRIF (somatotropin release-inhibiting factor) but this name is not often used.

Somatostatin is a peptide hormone which regulates glucagon and insulin. It stops the release of secondary hormones which regulates the endocrine system. It is secreted in the intestine, neurones, stomach and delta cells of the pancreas. It travels through the portal blood stream until it has its effect in the digestive system and anterior pituitary gland. It is induced by low pH

Its effects include:

• inhibits the release of GH, adenylyl cyclase, prolactin and TSH in the anterior pituitary gland
• inhibits the release of gastrin and secretin among others
• inhibits the release of pancreate hormones i.e. insulin and glucagon which suppresses the exocrin secretory action of the pancreas.