Regulation of glucose homeostasis

Somatostatin plays an important role in the regulation of neurotransmission and secretion. Octreotide, an analog of somatostatin, has been in clinical use for the treatment of acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours for 20 years. Schmid and Brueggen investigated an alternative analog, pasireotide, which has therapeutic potential for treatment of Cushing’s disease. The effects of both analogs on blood glucose, insulin and glucagon levels in rats were studied. Both analogs inhibited insulin to a similar degree but only pasireotide administration resulted in transient hyperglycemia. This study adds to the current knowledge of the effects of somatostatin analogs on glucose homeostasis. Schmid & Brueggen. (2012) Journal of Endocrinology 212 49–60.

Read the full article at: DOI:10.1530/JOE-11-0224.