Somatostatin

Definition

Somatostatin is a hormone produced primarily in the hypothalamus and pancreas that plays a key role in regulating various physiological processes, including growth, hormone secretion, and metabolism. It is closely connected to the central control of the body, hormones, the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, the endocrine pancreas, and the development and aging of the endocrine system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Somatostatin is a peptide hormone that inhibits the secretion of growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and other hormones.
2. It is produced by specialized cells in the hypothalamus, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and other tissues.
3. Somatostatin plays a crucial role in the regulation of the pituitary gland and the release of hormones, including growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone.
4. In the endocrine pancreas, somatostatin inhibits the secretion of insulin and glucagon, helping to maintain glucose homeostasis.
5. Somatostatin levels decline with age, contributing to the development of certain endocrine disorders associated with aging.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of somatostatin in the central control of the body's physiological processes.
  • Somatostatin is a key player in the central control of the body's physiological processes. Produced primarily in the hypothalamus, somatostatin acts as an inhibitory hormone, regulating the secretion of other hormones, such as growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone, from the pituitary gland. This central control mechanism helps maintain homeostasis and coordinate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and hormone secretion.
• Describe the relationship between somatostatin and the endocrine pancreas, and how it affects glucose homeostasis.
  • Somatostatin is also produced in the endocrine pancreas, where it plays a crucial role in regulating glucose homeostasis. Specifically, somatostatin inhibits the secretion of insulin and glucagon, the two primary hormones responsible for maintaining blood sugar levels. By modulating the release of these hormones, somatostatin helps the body maintain a delicate balance between glucose production and utilization, preventing potentially harmful fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
• Analyze the impact of declining somatostatin levels on the development and aging of the endocrine system.
  • As individuals age, somatostatin levels tend to decrease, which can contribute to the development of various endocrine disorders. This decline in somatostatin production can disrupt the intricate balance of hormone secretion, leading to conditions such as acromegaly (excessive growth hormone production) or altered glucose metabolism. The aging-related changes in somatostatin levels highlight the importance of this hormone in the proper functioning of the endocrine system and the maintenance of overall health and well-being throughout the lifespan.

Related terms

Growth Hormone (GH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans and other animals.

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1): A hormone similar in molecular structure to insulin that is produced primarily by the liver in response to growth hormone and plays an important role in childhood growth and development.

Acromegaly:

A hormonal disorder that results from the excessive production of growth hormone in adults, leading to the enlargement of bones and soft tissues.