Question

The function of somatostatin is to
A. Stimulate pituitary synthesis and release gonadotropins
B. Inhibit the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary
C. Stimulate pituitary and promotes secretion of growth hormone
D. Inhibit the release of growth hormone from the pituitary

Answer 1

Somatostatin is produced by delta cells of islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Its main function is to block the secretion of glucagon and insulin. It is an inhibitory polypeptide hormone that inhibits other hormone secretion. The term somatostatin itself means stagnation of the body.

Complete answer:
Somatostatin is an inhibitory polypeptide hormone that is released by the liver. It is an inhibitor of pancreatic and gastrointestinal hormones. Also, it inhibits the release of the growth hormone from the pituitary gland in the brain. This is the reason that it is also named as a growth hormone inhibiting hormone. Generally, somatostatin is a polypeptide that regulates the endocrine system. The endocrine system refers to the hormones and the glands that secrete them somatostatin is also an essential agent that affects neurotransmission and cell proliferation.
Somatostatin has two active forms, one consists of 14 amino acids and the other consists of 28 amino acids. It is found actively distributed in the nervous system of the body as well as other tissues. In the pancreas, it acts to inhibit insulin and glucagon secretions. Thus, the utilization and storage of glucose are regulated by somatostatin. Various gastrointestinal hormones like secretion, gastrin, etc. are inhibited by somatostatin.

So, from the above discussion, we can conclude that option D) is correct.

Note: Somatostatin deficiency has been related to many diseases. In Alzheimer’s diseases, a decrease in somatostatin hormone in the brain is observed. It is not clear why it is decreased but it has a significant effect on brain functioning. Somatostatinoma was a somatostatin-producing tumor detected in the late 1970s which is a rare phenomenon.