Inhibition of Pancreatic Glucagon Release by Somatostatin: In Vitro

Abstract

The effect of somatostatin – a growth hormone release inhibitory factor – on pancreatic glucagon release was studied in the isolated, perfused canine pancreas, as previously described. In three experiments pancreatic glucagon was markedly inhibited both at low (25 mg/100 ml) and at high (150 mg/100 ml) concentrations of glucose. Previously, we have demonstrated an inhibition of glucose-induced insulin release by somatostatin both in vivo and in vitro. Hence the effect on both glucagon and insulin release, and thereby the net nutrient balance in liver and in adipose tissue, must be taken into account, when evaluating the effect of somatostatin in vivo.

Key Words:

• Glucagon release
• glucose
• insulin release
• isolated
• perfused pancreas
• somatostatin