Effects of somatostatin on exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function stimulated by intestinal hormones in man.

To evaluate the action of somatostatin on exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function, synthetic somatostatin (GIF) was administered (intravenous bolus of 300 mug followed by a constant 60-minute infusion, 5 mug/min) to 17 normal subjects. The secretin-induced volume and total bicarbonate contents of the duodenal aspirate were not affected whereas the bicarbonate concentration was significantly diminished. GIF reduced decisively the pancreatic enzyme secretion stimulated by pure (99%) cholecystokinin-pancreozymin. After the GIF infusion was stopped, a significant rise in enzyme secretion was observed. The secretin-induced insulin release was almost completely suppressed. Because GIF can be extracted in large quantities from pancreas, these data suggest that somatostatin may play a physiological role in the regulation of the secretory processes of this organ. Furthermore, GIF may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of acute pancreatitis.