Effect of Somatostatin on Meal-stimulated Pancreatic Exocrine Secretions in Dogs

The effect of exogenously administered somatostatin (SRIF) on meal-stimulated secretions of the exocrine pancreas was studied in dogs with chronic pancreatic Fistulas. Dogs were fed 600 gm. of raw meat, and pancreatic output of water, bicarbonate, and protein was measured. Bicarbonate and protein secretions rose markedly postfeeding in all control animals. Four hundred micrograms or 100 μg. of SRIF infused for one hour together with a meal completely prevented the postfeeding rise in pancreatic secretions. SRIF (100 μg./hr.) infused one hour after a meal suppressed pancreatic secretions to basal levels within 30 minutes. Pancreatic secretions rose promptly after discontinuation of SRIF in all dogs. These data indicate (1) SRIF completely prevents pancreatic bicarbonate and enzyme responses when given together with a meal; (2) it completely suppresses already initiated pancreatic responses when given one hour after a meal; (3) 100 μg. of SRIF is as effective as 400 μg. in suppressing the postprandial rise in pancreatic secretions. We conclude that SRIF severely interferes with pancreatic secretions during normal alimentation and that this observation should be considered if SRIF is to be used as a therapeutic agent.