Effect of somatostatin on postprandial gallbladder relaxation

Abstract

Although the inhibitory effect of somatostatin (SST) on gallbladder contraction is well known, the influence of SST on gallbladder motility during the late postprandial or relaxation phase has not been studied. We therefore investigated the effect of SST on gallbladder relaxation and gut hormone release during the late postprandial phase. Eight healthy volunteers participated in two experiments performed in random order during continuous infusion of either SST or saline (placebo) starting 2 h after meal ingestion. At regular intervals, gallbladder volumes were measured (ultrasonography) and blood samples were taken for determination of plasma cholecystokinin (CCK), pancreatic polypeptide (PP), peptide YY (PYY) and neurotensin levels (radioimmunoassay). Postprandial gallbladder contraction was similar in both experiments: 68 +/- 4% vs. 66 +/- 4%. During SST infusion, postprandial gallbladder contraction was significantly (P<0.01) reduced (2874 +/- 813% *240 min) compared with saline (9391 +/- 1595% *240 min). Plasma CCK, PP, PYY and neurotensin levels were in the same range in the early postprandial phase but were significantly reduced during SST infusion compared with placebo (late postprandial phase). Plasma levels of CCK correlated with gallbladder volumes during both the contraction and relaxation phase (r=0.68, P=0.01 and r=0.61, P=0.008, respectively). SST enhances gallbladder relaxation and reduces hormone secretion in the late postprandial phase. The results point to an association between CCK and gallbladder volume not only during the postprandial contraction phase but also during the relaxation phase.

Leveraging the Gut to Treat Metabolic Disease

“…SST is a potent inhibitor of intestinal gut hormone secretion, affecting GLP-1, GIP, PYY, ghrelin, and other hormones (Vu et al, 2001;Tan et al, 2004;Rigamonti et al, 2011). In fact, a study in healthy volunteers showed complete suppression of the postprandial rise in GLP-1 and GIP serum levels upon treatment with the SST analog pasireotide (Henry et al, 2013).…”

Effect of somatostatin infusion on peptide YY secretion: studies in the acute and recovery phase of anorexia nervosa and in obesity

“…In addition, SRIF has been reported to inhibit PYY postprandial response also in healthy subjects (38), but the effect of SRIF on PYY secretion in AN and OB is presently unknown.…”

Somatostatin receptor subtypes 2 and 5 mediate inhibition of egg yolk-induced gall bladder emptying in mice

“…Somatostatin is known to inhibit CCK‐induced gall bladder emptying 4,7,33 . Despite a clear demonstration of the role of SSTR2 and SSTR5 in inhibiting egg yolk‐induced gall bladder contraction, our study has several limitations.…”