Somatostatin, also known as Growth Hormone Inhibiting Hormone, is a peptide hormone that functions as a potent inhibitor of the secretion of several other hormones, neurotransmitters, and gastrointestinal peptides. Primarily produced in the hypothalamus, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract, its main endocrine role is to suppress the release of Growth Hormone and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone from the pituitary. It is a key negative regulator in the neuroendocrine system.
Origin
Somatostatin was first isolated from the hypothalamus in the early 1970s during the search for Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone. Its discovery as an inhibiting hormone highlighted the complexity of neuroendocrine feedback loops. The name combines the Greek soma (body) and stasis (stopping), reflecting its role in halting growth hormone release.
Mechanism
Somatostatin exerts its inhibitory effects by binding to a family of five G protein-coupled receptors on target cells. Receptor activation couples to inhibitory G proteins, leading to a decrease in intracellular cyclic AMP levels and reduced calcium influx. This signaling cascade ultimately hyperpolarizes the cell membrane and suppresses the exocytosis of secretory vesicles containing the target hormones, such as GH, insulin, or glucagon.
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