R. Baloescu *
* Dr. Rene Baloescu – doctor in Ştiinţe Medicale, medic primar endocrinolog, Institutul de Endocrinologie C.I. Parhon – Bucureşti
Abstract
A peptide inhibiting the release of growth hormone was originally detected accidentally during studies of the distribution of growth hormone-releasing factor in the hypothalamus of rats. This peptide called somatostatin proved to be a cyclic peptide consisting of 14 amino acids. Somatostatin modulates neurotransmission in the central nervous system (as a neurotransmitter) and regulates the release of growth and thyrotropin (as a neurohormone). lt also has a regulatory role in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as in the exocrine and endocrine pancreas. lt inhibits the function of activated immune cells. lt also presented the mechanism of action of somatostatin and somatostatin receptors in normal and tumoral tissue. Due to its biodegradation somatostatin cannot be used as a drug. The research for a more stable derivative lead to the discovery of SMS 201-995, also knoron as octreolid or Sandostatin (Sandoz-Pharma; Novartis), a compound which may be used therapeutically.