The biological activity of duck 'big' somatostatin on chicken adipose tissue.

A peptide, eluted with cytochrome c, called 'big' somatostatin, is the only somatostatin-like immunoreactivity present in the peripheral plasma of the duck. The metabolic action of partially purified fractions of 'big' somatostatin was investigated on glucagon-stimulated lipolysis in chicken adipocytes. Significant inhibition of glycerol release (an index of lipolysis) induced by physiological concentrations of glucagon was observed with physiological concentrations of 'big' somatostatin; the percentage of inhibition was dose-dependent.