Somatostatin is a hormone that inhibits secretion of Growth hormone (GH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Cholecystokinin (CCK) and Insulin. It is produced principally in the nervous and digestive systems. By inhibiting other hormones, it regulates many physiological functions in the body.
Interpretation: High levels may be caused by a rare endocrine tumour that produces somatostatin(somatostatinoma). This affects the hormones according to the localisation of tumour and thus, alters the gastric, pancreatic(diabetes) and other digestive functions (gallstones etc). Low somatostatin means that many hormonal functions balanced by somatostatin will be impaired but this is a rare disease.
Sample: Arm vein blood. Fasting
Working day: Tuesday
Result Time: Consult the laboratory
