Skip to main content

Somatostatin Tone

Meaning

Somatostatin tone refers to the baseline, steady-state level of inhibitory signaling exerted by the neuropeptide somatostatin across multiple, interconnected physiological systems, with its most pronounced effects in the neuroendocrine and gastrointestinal tracts. Somatostatin functions as a potent, ubiquitous “off” switch, suppressing the secretion of numerous critical hormones, including Growth Hormone (GH), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), insulin, and glucagon. This inhibitory tone is an essential component of homeostatic regulation, ensuring that all hormonal release remains tightly controlled, pulsatile, and appropriate to metabolic demand.