Effect of caerulein administration on portal plasma somatostatin in dogs.

The effect of administration of synthetic caerulein on canine plasma somatostatin concentration in the portal vein was investigated using specific radioimmunoassay of acid-acetone extracted plasma. Gel chromatography revealed that the main component of the plasma somatostatin in the portal vein was identical with somatostatin-14. After administration of caerulein (5 ng/kg), the somatostatin level increased significantly while the gastrin level remained unchanged. These results suggested that caerulein affects D cell function but not gastrin secretion.