Somatostatin

Also known as: Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone, SST-14

Somatostatin, also known as growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (SST-14), is an endogenous cyclic peptide that exerts its effects through binding to five G protein-coupled somatostatin receptors (SSTR1-5). Its primary mechanism of action involves inhibition of adenylate cyclase, leading to reduced cyclic AMP levels, and modulation of calcium and potassium channels. This results in suppression of growth hormone (GH) secretion from the anterior pituitary, as well as inhibition of insulin, glucagon, and gastric acid secretion. Additionally, somatostatin reduces gastrointestinal motility, splanchnic blood flow, and exocrine pancreatic secretion, acting as a key regulator of endocrine and exocrine functions. Key research findings, supported by over 34,000 PubMed references, demonstrate somatostatin's potent inhibitory effects on neuroendocrine tumors, acromegaly, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Its synthetic analogs, such as octreotide and lanreotide, have been extensively studied for their longer half-lives and improved receptor selectivity. Clinical trials have confirmed efficacy in reducing GH and IGF-1 levels in acromegaly, controlling symptoms of carcinoid syndrome, and managing variceal hemorrhage. Somatostatin also shows promise in inhibiting tumor growth through anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic pathways. Clinically, somatostatin and its analogs are approved for treating acromegaly, neuroendocrine tumors (e.g., carcinoid and vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors), and acute esophageal variceal bleeding. They are also used off-label for conditions like refractory diarrhea and polycystic liver disease. Despite its broad therapeutic utility, somatostatin's short half-life (2–3 minutes) limits its clinical use, necessitating continuous intravenous infusion or development of long-acting analogs. For research purposes only — not medical advice.

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