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Somatostatin Suppression

Meaning

Somatostatin suppression refers to the physiological or pharmacological inhibition of the secretion or action of the somatostatin peptide hormone. Somatostatin, also known as Growth Hormone Inhibiting Hormone (GHIH), is a widespread inhibitor, primarily secreted by the hypothalamus and pancreatic delta cells, that acts to suppress the release of various hormones, including Growth Hormone (GH), TSH, insulin, and glucagon. Clinical strategies that involve somatostatin suppression, such as the use of antagonists, are rare, but the body’s natural suppression of somatostatin is necessary for the pulsatile release of GH. The failure of natural suppression can lead to deficiencies in downstream hormones.