CIRCULATING SOMATOSTATIN AFTER FOOD AND GLUCOSE IN MAN

Abstract

Using a recently validated radioimmunoassay, changes in circulating somatostatin were measured in normal subjects after food (a standard breakfast), and oral and i.v. glucose. After the standard breakfast, a clear and sustained rise in plasma somatostatin was seen in all subjects from a mean value (.+-. 1 SE) of 28 .+-. 7 pg/ml to a mean peak value, at 60 min of 57 .+-. 11 pg/ml. When glucose was taken by mouth a significant but smaller rise was seen, but i.v. glucose caused no significant change in plasma somatostatin. A rise in circulating somatostatin after feeding has not been previously demonstrated in normal man; somatostatin may have an important endocrine role in the gut.