Effect of intraarterial somatostatin infusion on SMA blood flow

Experiments were carried out on anaesthetized cats to study the effect of somatostatin on the mesenteric circulation. Intraarterial infusions of somatostatin were applied into the superior mesenteric artery. The effect of atropine, propranolol and phentolamine were investigated. Catecholamine release or uptake of the mesenteric vascular bed during somatostatin infusions were also measured. We found dose dependent vasodilatory effect of somatostatin on the mesenteric vasculature that was not influenced by atropine and by the adrenoreceptors or by denervation. A direct effect of somatostatin on the vascular smooth muscle membrane is assumed.