Somatostatin damage on the pancreatic islets

OBJECTIVE: To study the histological appearance of the pancreatic islets consequent to prolnged regular daily treatment with somatostatin.

METHODS: Thirty albino rats of each sex were divided into controls and another 2 groups; the first received the hormone somatostatin for 21 days and the second for 42 days. Pancreatic specimens were taken from the sacrificed animals by the end of these periods. Examination by light microscopy of these specimens was carried out. Insulin and glucose were regularly measured through out the course of treatment.

RESULTS: Showed irreversible damage of the alpha and beta cells of the islets. All animals developed gradually and continuously deteriorating diabetes mellitus. All the animals perished within a few days after cessation of treatment.

CONCLUSION: A relatively long term treatment with somatostatin had an everlasting killing effect on both of the pancreatic islets and the animals themselves. A recommendation has been put forward to seriously requestion the clinical therapy of this hormone.