Description

Somatostatin represents a naturally occurring cyclic tetradecapeptide hormone with potent growth hormone inhibiting properties and broad regulatory functions throughout the endocrine and nervous systems. The compound exists in two primary forms: somatostatin-14 (the original tetradecapeptide) and somatostatin-28 (an extended form), both of which demonstrate biological activity through binding to somatostatin receptors. Somatostatin functions through specific binding to five somatostatin receptor subtypes (SSTR1-5), leading to inhibition of hormone secretion, modulation of neurotransmission, and regulation of cellular proliferation. The peptide demonstrates broad inhibitory effects on various hormones including growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, and gastrin, making it a key regulatory molecule in endocrine homeostasis. Research applications include investigation of hormone regulation mechanisms, neuroendocrine signaling pathways, growth hormone biology, and the role of somatostatin in various physiological and pathological processes. For research use only.