Somatostatin: a historical perspective |
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| Authors: | R Hall M D Page P C Dieguez M F Scanlon |
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| Institution: | Department of Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK. |
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| Abstract: | Following the discovery and biochemical characterization of natural somatostatin its action profile has been thoroughly investigated. Although the name somatostatin was coined in virtue of its growth hormone release-inhibiting properties, a number of central and peripheral endocrine and paracrine actions have been ascribed to this peptide. Its inhibitory effect on a series of pituitary and gastrointestinal hormones has characterized somatostatin as a classical brain-gut hormone. Circulating and tissue levels of somatostatin and its possible physiological role are analyzed and clinical implications are drawn. |
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