Loss of Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 2 in Prostate Cancer Is Linked to an Aggressive Cancer Phenotype,High Tumor Cell Proliferation and Predicts Early Metastatic and Biochemical Relapse

Somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) is the most frequently expressed SSTR subtype in normal human tissues. SSTR2 expression is differentially regulated in various tumor types and therapeutic somatostatin analogs binding to SSTR2 are in clinical use. In prostate cancers highly contradictory results in terms of SSTR2 expression and its consequences have been published over the past years. The aim of this study was to clarify prevalence and clinical significance of SSTR2 expression in prostate cancer. Therefore, quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC) using a tissue microarray containing samples from 3,261 prostate cancer patients with extensive clinical and molecular cancer characteristics and oncological follow-up data was performed. IHC data was compared to publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus datasets of human prostate cancer gene expression arrays. While membranous SSTR2 staining was always seen in normal prostate epithelium, SSTR2 staining was absent in more than half (56.1%) of 2,195 interpretable prostate cancer samples. About 13% of all analyzed prostate cancers showed moderate to strong cytoplasmic and membranous SSTR2 staining. Staining intensities were inversely correlated with high Gleason grade, advanced pT category, high tumor cell proliferation (p<0.0001 each), high pre-operative PSA levels, (p = 0.0011) and positive surgical margins (p = 0.006). In silico analysis confirmed lower SSTR2 gene expression in prostate cancers vs. normal adjacent tissue (p = 0.0424), prostate cancer metastases vs. primary cancers (p = 0.0011) and recurrent vs. non-recurrent prostate cancers (p = 0.0438). PSA-free survival gradually declined with SSTR2 staining intensity (p<0.0001). SSTR2-negative cancers were more likely to develop metastases over time (p<0.05). In conclusion, most prostate cancers are indeed SSTR2-negative and loss of SSTR2 strongly predicts an unfavorable tumor phenotype and poor prognosis. Therefore, SSTR2 expression seems an important factor in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer and re-introduction of the receptor in SSTR2-negative prostate cancers may feature a promising target for novel gene therapy approaches.     

生长抑素受体在人神经内分泌癌组织中的表达及受体激活对细胞生长的抑制

生长抑素（somatostatin,SST）通过与细胞膜上的G蛋白偶联的生长抑素受体（somatostatin receptors,SSTRs）结合而发挥其抑制细胞增殖的作用,因而生长抑素类似物（somatostatin analogue, SSA）常被用于肿瘤辅助治疗。然而,治疗效果存在相当大的个体差异,推测生长抑素类似物治疗效果不佳,与内源性生长抑素受体表达缺失或者表达量和亚型组合有关。为此,检测各亚型SSTR在几例罕见的神经内分泌肿瘤中的表达,并检测过表达SSTR2和SSTR5以及受体激活对细胞增殖的抑制效果,分析受体激活的可能机制,有助于临床筛选适合SSA肿瘤辅助治疗的病例,预估SSA的治疗效果。免疫组化检测肿瘤组织SSTR1-5的表达。在培养的293T细胞中过表达SSTR2和SSTR5,免疫共沉淀检测受体相互作用,免疫荧光和共聚焦显微镜检测受体细胞内定位。用MTT法检测受体过表达及激活对培养的人肺癌细胞NCI-H460细胞增殖的影响,用流式细胞技术检测细胞周期分布。SSTR1-5在10例神经内分泌肿瘤组织中均有不同程度的表达,表达亚型及表达量与肿瘤类型和年龄无关,SSTR5在所有肿瘤组织中均表达。SSTR2与SSTR5可形成受体相互作用。SSTR2与SSTR5活化后相互作用增加并定位于细胞质。共表达SSTR2和SSTR5显著抑制细胞增殖,并与受体激活剂呈现剂量相关性。SSTR2/SSTR5的共表达及激活显著减少S期的细胞而滞留于G₁期。     

Novel Somatostatin Receptor-4 Agonist SM-I-26 Mitigates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Gene Expression in Microglia

Neurochemical Research - Somatostatin receptor subtype 4 (SSTR4) is expressed in BV2 microglia, suggesting that SSTR4 agonists may impact microglia function. This study assessed the high-affinity...     

Colocalization of somatostatin receptors and epidermal growth factor receptors in breast cancer cells

Background  

Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression is positively correlated with tumor size and inversely correlated with epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB) levels and tumor differentiation. In the present study, we compared SSTR1-5 and ErbB1-4 mRNA and protein expression in two breast cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (ER+) and MDA-MB-231 (ERα-).     

Differential regulation of somatostatin receptors 1 and 2 mRNA and protein expression by tamoxifen and estradiol in breast cancer cells

Somatostatin (SST) inhibition of hormone hypersecretion from tumors is mediated by somatostatin receptors (SSTRs). SSTRs also play an important role in controlling tumor growth through specific antiproliferative actions. These receptors are well expressed in numerous normal and tumor tissues and are susceptible to regulation by a variety of factors. Estradiol, a potent trophic and mitogenic hormone in its target tissues, is known to modulate the expression of SST and its receptors. Accordingly, in the present study, we determined the effects of tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator (SERM), and estradiol on SSTR1 and SSTR2 expression at the mRNA and protein levels in ER-positive and -negative breast cancer cells. We found that SSTR1 was upregulated by tamoxifen in a dose-dependent manner but no effect was seen with estradiol. In contrast, SSTR2 was upregulated by both tamoxifen and estradiol. Combined treatment caused suppression of SSTR1 below control levels but had no significant effect on SSTR2. Treatment with SSTR1-specific agonist was significantly more effective in suppressing cell proliferation of cells pre-treated with tamoxifen. Taking these data into consideration, we suggest that tamoxifen and estradiol exert variable effects on SSTR1 and SSTR2 mRNA and protein expression and distributional pattern of the receptors. These changes are cell subtype-specific and affect the ability of SSTR agonists to inhibit cell proliferation.     

Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Glioblastoma Multiforme—A Suitable Target for Somatostatin Receptor-Based Imaging and Therapy?

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) have been shown to promote malignant growth and to correlate with poor prognosis. [1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-NN′,N″,N′″-tetraacetic acid]-d-Phe1,Tyr3-octreotate (DOTATATE) labeled with Gallium-68 selectively binds to somatostatin receptor 2A (SSTR2A) which is specifically expressed and up-regulated in activated macrophages. On the other hand, the role of SSTR2A expression on the cell surface of glioma cells has not been fully elucidated yet. The aim of this study was to non-invasively assess SSTR2A expression of both glioma cells as well as macrophages in GBM.

Methods

15 samples of patient-derived GBM were stained immunohistochemically for macrophage infiltration (CD68), proliferative activity (Ki67) as well as expression of SSTR2A. Anti-CD45 staining was performed to distinguish between resident microglia and tumor-infiltrating macrophages. In a subcohort, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE was performed and the semiquantitatively evaluated tracer uptake was compared to the results of immunohistochemistry.

Results

The amount of microglia/macrophages ranged from <10% to >50% in the tumor samples with the vast majority being resident microglial cells. A strong SSTR2A immunostaining was observed in endothelial cells of proliferating vessels, in neurons and neuropile. Only faint immunostaining was identified on isolated microglial and tumor cells. Somatostatin receptor imaging revealed areas of increased tracer accumulation in every patient. However, retention of the tracer did not correlate with immunohistochemical staining patterns.

Conclusion

SSTR2A seems not to be overexpressed in GBM samples tested, neither on the cell surface of resident microglia or infiltrating macrophages, nor on the surface of tumor cells. These data suggest that somatostatin receptor directed imaging and treatment strategies are less promising in GBM.     

Association between dopamine and somatostatin receptor expression and pharmacological response to somatostatin analogues in acromegaly

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder resulting from excessive growth hormone (GH) secretion frequently produced by pituitary adenomas and consequent increase in insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐I). Elevated GH and IGF‐I levels result in a wide range of somatic, cardiovascular, endocrine, metabolic and gastrointestinal morbidities. Somatostatin analogues (SSAs) form the basis of medical therapy for acromegaly and are currently used as first‐line treatment or as second‐line therapy in patients undergoing unsuccessful surgery. However, a considerable percentage of patients do not respond to SSAs treatment. Somatostatin receptors (SSTR1‐5) and dopamine receptors (DRD1‐5) subtypes play critical roles in the regulation of hormone secretion. These receptors are considered important pharmacological targets to inhibit hormone oversecretion. It has been proposed that decreased expression of SSTRs may be associated with poor response to SSAs. Here, we systematically examine SSTRs and DRDs expression in human somatotroph adenomas by quantitative PCR. We observed an association between the response to SSAs treatment and DRD4, DRD5, SSTR1 and SSTR2 expression. We also examined SSTR expression by immunohistochemistry and found that the immunohistochemical detection of SSTR2 in particular might be a good predictor of response to SSAs.     

Predictive and prognostic significance of tumour subtype,SSTR1-5 and e-cadherin expression in a well-defined cohort of patients with acromegaly

In somatotroph pituitary tumours, somatostatin analogue (SSA) therapy outcomes vary throughout the studies. We performed an analysis of cohort of patients with acromegaly from the Czech registry to identify new prognostic and predictive factors. Clinical data of patients were collected, and complex immunohistochemical assessment of tumour samples was performed (SSTR1-5, dopamine D2 receptor, E-cadherin, AIP). The study included 110 patients. In 31, SSA treatment outcome was evaluated. Sparsely granulated tumours (SGST) differed from the other subtypes in expression of SSTR2A, SSTR3, SSTR5 and E-cadherin and occurred more often in young. No other clinical differences were observed. Trouillas grading system showed association with age, tumour size and SSTR2A expression. Factors significantly associated with SSA treatment outcome included age, IGF1 levels, tumour size and expression of E-cadherin and SSTR2A. In the group of SGST, poor SSA response was observed in younger patients with larger tumours, lower levels of SSTR2A and higher Ki67. We observed no relationship with expression of other proteins including AIP. No predictive value of E-cadherin was observed when tumour subtype was considered . Multiple additional factors apart from SSTR2A expression can predict treatment outcome in patients with acromegaly.     

Suppression of ANP secretion by somatostatin through somatostatin receptor type 2

Somatostatin is a cyclic-14 amino acid peptide which mainly distributed in digestive system and brain. Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) is a G-protein coupled receptor and all five SSTR subtypes are expressed in cardiomyocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of somatostatin on atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion and its signaling pathway. Somatostatin (0.01 and 0.1 nM) decreased ANP secretion in isolated beating rat atrium in a dose-dependent manner. But atrial contractility and translocation of extracellular fluid were not changed. Somatostatin-induced decrease in ANP secretion was significantly attenuated by the pretreatment with CYN 154806 (SSTR type 2 antagonist; 0.1 μM), but not by BIM 23056 (SSTR type 5 antagonist; 0.1 μM) and urantide (urotensin II receptor antagonist; 0.1 μM). When pretreated with an agonist for SSTR type 2 (Seglitide, 0.1 nM) and SSTR type 5 (L 817818, 0.1 nM), only Seglitide reduced ANP secretion similar to that of somatostatin. The suppressive effect of somatostatin on ANP secretion was attenuated by the pretreatment with an inhibitor for adenylyl cyclase (MDL-12330A, 5 μM) or protein kinase A (KT 5720, 0.1 μM). In diabetic rat atria, the suppressive effect of somatostatin on ANP secretion and concentration was attenuated. Real time-PCR and western blot shows the decreased level of SSTR type 2 mRNA and protein in diabetic rat atria. These data suggest that somatostatin decreased ANP secretion through SSTR type 2 and an attenuation of suppressive effect of somatostatin on ANP secretion in diabetic rat atria is due to a down-regulation of SSTR type 2.     

Somatostatin receptor gene expression in neuroblastoma

Somatostatin receptor expression is a favorable prognostic factor in human neuroblastoma. Somatostatin receptors have been demonstrated in vitro by pharmacologic analysis of tumor tissue and in vivo by diagnostic radioreceptor scintigraphy. However, which receptor subtypes (sst(1), sst(2), sst(3), sst(4), and sst(5)) are expressed in these tumors has not yet been delineated. We used RT-PCR to analyze expression of the five somatostatin receptor genes in 32 neuroblastoma tumor specimens. All 32 tumor specimens expressed mRNA for c-abl and sst(1); sst(2) mRNA was detected in 27/32 samples and somatostatin mRNA was detected in 30/32 tumor specimens. The remaining receptor subtypes, sst(3), sst(4), and sst(5) were variably expressed. Receptor protein for sst(1) and sst(2) was visualized in tumor neuroblasts as well as in endothelial cells of tumor vessels using immunostaining with specific anti-receptor antibodies. The effect of high expression of somatostatin receptors on cell proliferation was examined in SKNSH neuroblastoma cells transfected with sst(1) and sst(2). SS(14) binding to wild-type SKNSH cells was undetectable; but the native peptide bound with high affinity to the SKNSH/sst(1) and SKNSH/sst(2) neuroblastoma cell lines. Pharmacologic analysis of binding with two long-acting analogues, CH275 and octreotide, confirmed selective expression of sst(1) and sst(2) in stably transfected SKNSH cells. Formation of neuroblastoma xenograft tumors in nude mice was significantly delayed for both SKNSH/sst(1) (P<0.001) and SKNSH/sst(2) (P<0.05) cells compared to wild-type SKNSH. We conclude that: (1) Somatostatin receptors, sst(1) and sst(2), are expressed in the majority of neuroblastomas at diagnosis; and (2) upregulation of functional sst(1) or sst(2) in neuroblastoma cell lines suppresses tumorigenicity in a xenograft model. These observations suggest that somatostatin receptors may be a useful therapeutic target in neuroblastoma.     

Identification of distinct signalling pathways for somatostatin receptors SSTR1 and SSTR2 as revealed by microphysiometry.

Somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) are known to mediate diverse cellular responses. Most target cell express more than one SSTR isoform, making it difficult to define the signalling pathway used by individual receptor subtypes. Thus, we have expressed SSTR1 or SSTR2 in rat pituitary F4C1 cells which lack endogenous SSTRs. Using a silicon-based biosensor system, the Cytosensor microphysiometer, which measures the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in real time, we have studied the responses to SS mediated by either SSTR1 or SSTR2. In control F4C1 cells, SS had no effect on the basal ECAR. In transfected cells expressing only SSTR1, SS caused a unique decrease in ECAR in a concentration-dependent manner. Receptor-mediated decreases in ECAR have not been reported previously. In F4C1 cells expressing only SSTR2, SS induced a bidirectional ECAR response, a rapid increase followed by a decrease below basal. Two SS analogues, MK678 and CH275, induced characteristic ECAR responses with the expected receptor selectivities for SSTR1 or SSTR2. Pretreatment of F4C1 cells with pertussis toxin abolished the decreases in ECAR mediated by both SSTR1 and SSTR2, but only partially reduced the increase in ECAR mediated by SSTR2. The decrease in ECAR did not depend on a decrease in intracellular cAMP. The ECAR responses to SS were modestly attenuated by methylisobutylamiloride (MIA), an inhibitor of the ubiquitous Na(+)-H+ exchanger NHE1. Removal of extracellular Na+ greatly inhibited the ECAR responses to SS, demonstrating a role for both amiloride-sensitive and -insensitive Na(+)-dependent acid transport mechanisms in SS-induced extracellular acidification. In conclusion, we have identified and characterized different signalling pathways for SSTR1 and SSTR2 in pituitary cells as measured by microphysiometry.     

Somatostatin receptor biology in neuroendocrine and pituitary tumours: part 1 – molecular pathways

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) may occur at many sites in the body although the majority occur within the gastroenteropancreatic axis. Non-gastroenteropancreatic NETs encompass phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas, medullary thyroid carcinoma, anterior pituitary tumour, broncho-pulmonary NETs and parathyroid tumours. Like most endocrine tumours, NETs also express somatostatin (SST) receptors (subtypes 1–5) whose ligand SST is known to inhibit endocrine and exocrine secretions and have anti-tumour effects. In the light of this knowledge, the idea of using SST analogues in the treatment of NETs has become increasingly popular and new studies have centred upon the development of new SST analogues. We attempt to review SST receptor (SSTR) biology primarily in neuroendocrine tissues, focusing on pituitary tumours. A full data search was performed through PubMed over the years 2000–2009 with keywords ‘somatostatin, molecular biology, somatostatin receptors, somatostatin signalling, NET, pituitary’ and all relevant publications have been included, together with selected publications prior to that date. SSTR signalling in non-neuroendocrine solid tumours is beyond the scope of this review. SST is a potent anti-proliferative and anti-secretory agent for some NETs. The successful therapeutic use of SST analogues in the treatment of these tumours depends on a thorough understanding of the diverse effects of SSTR subtypes in different tissues and cell types. Further studies will focus on critical points of SSTR biology such as homo- and heterodimerization of SSTRs and the differences between post-receptor signalling pathways of SSTR subtypes.     

Signal transduction of somatostatin receptors negatively controlling cell proliferation.

Somatostatin acts as an inhibitory peptide of various secretory and proliferative responses. Its effects are mediated by a family of G-protein-coupled receptors (sst1-5) that can couple to diverse signal transduction pathways such as inhibition of adenylate cyclase and guanylate cyclase, modulation of ionic conductance channels, and protein dephosphorylation. The five receptors bind the natural peptide with high affinity but only sst2, sst5 and sst3 bind the short synthetic analogues. Somatostatin negatively regulates the growth of various normal and tumour cells. This effect is mediated indirectly through inhibition of secretion of growth-promoting factors, angiogenesis and modulation of the immune system. Somatostatin can also act directly through sst receptors present on target cells. The five receptors are expressed in various normal and tumour cells, the expression of each receptor being receptor subtype and cell type specific. According to the receptor subtypes, distinct signal transduction pathways are involved in the antiproliferative action of somatostatin. Sst1, 4 and 5 modulate the MAP kinase pathway and induce G1 cell cycle arrest. Sst3 and sst2 promote apoptosis by p53-dependent and -independent mechanisms, respectively.     

Somatostatin stimulates ductal bile absorption and inhibits ductal bile secretion in mice via SSTR2 on cholangiocytes

With an in vitro model using enclosedintrahepatic bile duct units (IBDUs) isolated from wild-type andsomatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtype 2 knockout mice, we tested theeffects of somatostatin, secretin, and a selective SSTR2 agonist(L-779976) on fluid movement across the bile duct epithelial celllayer. By RT-PCR, four of five known subtypes of SSTRs (SSTR1,SSTR2A/2B, SSTR3, and SSTR4, but not SSTR5) were detected incholangiocytes in wild-type mice. In contrast, SSTR2A/2B werecompletely depleted in the SSTR2 knockout mice whereas SSTR1, SSTR3 andSSTR4 were expressed in these cholangiocytes. Somatostatin induced adecrease of luminal area of IBDUs isolated from wild-type mice,reflecting net fluid absorption; L-779976 also induced a comparabledecrease of luminal area. No significant decrease of luminal area byeither somatostatin or L-779976 was observed in IBDUs from SSTR2knockout mice. Secretin, a choleretic hormone, induced a significantincrease of luminal area of IBDUs of wild-type mice, reflecting netfluid secretion; somatostatin and L-779976 inhibited (P < 0.01) secretin-induced fluid secretion. The inhibitory effect ofboth somatostatin and L-779976 on secretin-induced IBDUsecretion was absent in IBDUs of SSTR2 knockout mice. Somatostatin induced an increase of intracellular cGMP and inhibitedsecretin-stimulated cAMP synthesis in cholangiocytes; depletion ofSSTR2 blocked these effects of somatostatin. These data suggest thatsomatostatin regulates ductal bile formation in mice not only byinhibition of ductal fluid secretion but also by stimulation of ductalfluid absorption via interacting with SSTR2 on cholangiocytes, aprocess involving the intracellular cAMP/cGMP second messengers.

     

子宫内膜癌组织中生长抑素受体、VEGF的表达及其与血管形成的关系

目的探讨生长抑素受体（somatostatin receptor,SSTR）、血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF）在子宫内膜癌组织中的表达及其与肿瘤血管形成的关系。方法应用免疫组织化学方法检测60例子宫内膜癌组织中SSTR各亚型、VEGF及CD34标记的微血管密度（microvessel denisity,MVD）的表达情况,探讨其与子宫内膜癌临床病理学特征及肿瘤血管形成的关系。结果在60例子宫内膜癌组织中,SSTR各亚型（SSTR1、SSTR2、SSTR3、SSTR4及SSTR5）的阳性表达率分别为70．0％,15．0％。21．7％,23．3％及18．3％;SSTR3、SSTR4在中高分化组表达阳性率明显高于低分化组（P〈0．05）。VEGF的阳性表达率为83．3％,VEGF在低分化组表达阳性率明显高于中高分化组、深肌层浸润组表达阳性率明显高于浅肌层浸润组、FIGO分期≥II期组表达阳性率明显高于I期组（P〈0．05）。子宫内膜癌组MVD（44．85±15．78）明显高于正常子宫内膜组MVD（18．96±4．30）（P〈0．01）。SSTR5的表达与VEGF呈负相关,VEGF阳性表达组子宫内膜癌组织MVD高于VEGF阴性组。结论联合检测SSTR和VEGF对子宫内膜癌预后的评估有一定临床意义。生长抑素类似物（somatostatin analogs,SSTA）可能为子宫内膜癌的诊治提供新的靶点。     

Isolation, characterization, and distribution of somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR 2) mRNA in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and regulation of its expression by glucose

In this study, cDNA for a somatostatin receptor variant (somatostatin receptor subtype 2, SSTR 2) was isolated, cloned, and sequenced from rainbow trout. A 1821-nt cDNA was isolated and found to contain a single initiation site 387-nt from the most 5' end, an open reading frame of 1116-nt, and a single putative polyadenylation site 189-nt from the most 3' end. The encoded protein contains 372 amino acids and contains seven membrane-spanning domains. Based on structural analysis, the protein was identified as a subtype 2 SSTR. These data support the emergence of a multigenic SSTR family early in the course of vertebrate evolution, concomitant with or perhaps prior to the divergence of boney fish. The distribution of SSTR 2 mRNA in tissues was determined by quantitative real time-PCR (QRT-PCR). SSTR 2 was most abundant in the brain (where it was detected in the telencephalon, optic tectum, and hypothalamus), skeletal muscle, and liver, but it also was present in the endocrine pancreas (Brockmann body) and various regions of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, intestine). SSTR 2 mRNA was most abundant in the brain, muscle, and liver. In vitro the Brockmann body and liver with increasing concentrations of glucose (1, 4, 10mM) resulted in increased expression of SSTR 2 mRNA. These findings contribute to the understanding of the evolution of the SSTR family and provide insight into the roles of SSTR 2 in fish.     

Inhibition of hormone secretion in GH-secreting pituitary adenomas by receptor-subtype specific somatostatin analogues in vitro

The aim of the study was to determine the inhibitory effects of somatostatin analogues with relative specificity to somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) (BIM-23197), subtype 5 (SSTR5) (BIM-23268), and their combination on GH and PRL secretion in acromegalic adenomas in vitro. Three types of answer were observed: 1. In one resistant adenoma no inhibition was achieved. 2. The GH secretion in six adenomas was suppressed significantly more (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001 using Mann-Whitney U-test in concentration range of 10(-12) to 10(-8) mol/l) with SSTR2 specific analogue BIM-23197 with no additive effect of compounds combination. 3. In three adenomas the potency of BIM-23197 and BIM-23268 was almost equal and the combination of these SSTR2 and SSTR5 specific compounds had statistically significant additive effect (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01 in concentration range of 10(-12) to 10(-8) mol/l). PRL secretion of five adenomas was more suppressed with SSTR5 specific BIM-23268 (statistically significant in concentrations 10(-10) to 10(-8) mol/l). In conclusion the somatostatin analogue BIM-23268 had an additive effect on suppression of GH secretion in a subset of adenomas, where both SSTR2 and SSTR5 were involved. This effect was not observed in the majority of tumours, where the inhibitory effect seems to be mediated via SSTR2 only.     

Somatostatin, but not somatostatin receptor subtypes 2 and 5 selective agonists, inhibits calcitonin secretion and gene expression in the human medullary thyroid carcinoma cell line, TT.

Somatostatin (SRIH) analogs are commonly used to treat symptoms in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), that expresses SRIH receptors (SSTR1 to SSTR5), as does the human MTC cell line TT. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether SRIH, SSTR2 and SSTR5-selective agonists influence calcitonin (CT) secretion and gene expression in the TT cell line. CT secretion was evaluated by chemiluminescence, and gene expression was analyzed by Northern blot. TT cell line proliferation was also assessed by [(3)H] thymidine ([(3)H]thy) incorporation and viable cell number count. SRIH significantly (p < 0.05) reduced [(3)H]thy incorporation (approx. 50 %), viable cell number (approx. 20 %), CT secretion (-30 %) and CT gene expression (approx. 2-fold). Exposure to the SSTR2-selective agonist, BIM-23 120, and to the SSTR5-selective agonist, BIM-23 206, did not modify CT secretion and mRNA levels in TT cells. Thus, SRIH inhibits DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, CT secretion and CT gene expression in the TT cell line, while SSTR2 and 5 selective agonists, although influencing DNA synthesis and cell proliferation, do not modify CT gene expression, suggesting that SRIH may influence gene expression acting through SSTRs other than subtypes 2 and 5. Furthermore, these findings may explain the erratic response of MTC patients in terms of CT plasma levels to treatment with SRIH analogs, like octreotide and lanreotide, which interact mainly with SSTR2 and 5.