Somatostatin
Also known as: Growth-hormone-inhibiting hormone · GHIH · SST
A natural inhibitory hormone commonly cited in the research literature for context on the regulation of growth hormone and other secretions.
Somatostatin at a glance
| Name | Somatostatin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Growth-hormone-inhibiting hormone, GHIH, SST |
| Category | Growth-hormone axis |
| Type | Peptide |
| Sequence | Ala-Gly-Cys-Lys-Asn-Phe-Phe-Trp-Lys-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Cys (SST-14) |
| Typical dose | Commonly cited around a 250 mcg bolus followed by ~250 mcg/hour infusion in clinical settings |
| Frequency | Continuous, due to its very short half-life |
| Route | Continuous intravenous infusion (clinical) |
| Half-life | Very short - on the order of a few minutes. |
Overview
Somatostatin is an endogenous regulatory hormone that broadly inhibits secretion, including growth hormone from the pituitary and various gastrointestinal and pancreatic hormones. Its native form has a very short half-life, so clinical use is typically by continuous infusion, and longer-acting analogs are used for practical dosing.
How it’s thought to work
- Binds somatostatin receptors to suppress hormone secretion.
- Inhibits pituitary release of growth hormone (and TSH).
- Reduces secretion of several gut and pancreatic hormones, including insulin and glucagon.
- Acts as the counter-regulatory brake to growth-hormone-releasing signals.
Researched uses
- Management research on acute variceal and GI bleeding
- Studies of hormone-secreting tumors and fistulas
- Endocrine regulation of the growth-hormone axis
- Gastrointestinal secretion research
Commonly cited protocol
| Typical dose | Commonly cited around a 250 mcg bolus followed by ~250 mcg/hour infusion in clinical settings |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Continuous, due to its very short half-life |
| Route | Continuous intravenous infusion (clinical) |
| Notes | Native peptide is rarely self-administered; analogs are used for longer action. |
Reconstitution
Used clinically as a continuous intravenous infusion prepared and titrated by professionals, so simple subcutaneous syringe unit math does not apply.
Cautions
- A clinical infusion agent, not a general research self-administration compound.
- Broad inhibitory effects can disturb glucose and other hormone levels.
- Very short half-life makes single injections impractical.
- Educational context only, not medical advice.
Somatostatin FAQ
What is Somatostatin?
A natural inhibitory hormone commonly cited in the research literature for context on the regulation of growth hormone and other secretions.
How does Somatostatin work?
Binds somatostatin receptors to suppress hormone secretion. Inhibits pituitary release of growth hormone (and TSH). Reduces secretion of several gut and pancreatic hormones, including insulin and glucagon. Acts as the counter-regulatory brake to growth-hormone-releasing signals.
What is Somatostatin used for?
Management research on acute variceal and GI bleeding; Studies of hormone-secreting tumors and fistulas; Endocrine regulation of the growth-hormone axis; Gastrointestinal secretion research.
What is a typical Somatostatin dose?
Commonly cited around a 250 mcg bolus followed by ~250 mcg/hour infusion in clinical settings, Continuous, due to its very short half-life, Continuous intravenous infusion (clinical). This is a commonly cited figure for context only, not medical advice.
How do you reconstitute Somatostatin?
Used clinically as a continuous intravenous infusion prepared and titrated by professionals, so simple subcutaneous syringe unit math does not apply.
What is the half-life of Somatostatin?
Very short - on the order of a few minutes.