Tissue and serum somatostatin levels were measured in genetically lean and obese Zucker
rats. Immunoreactive somatostatin content was decreased in three central nervous system
regions (hypothalamus, septum and preoptic area and thalamus) of obese rats but was
increased in cerebral cortex. No differences were observed in antral or colonic somatostatin
content but obese animals had significantly elevated pancreatic levels. Portal vein
somatostatin-like immunoreactivity in contrast was significantly lower in obese rats.
The widespread alterations in tissue and serum somatostatin-like immunoreactivity
suggest either a diffuse abnormality of somatostatin physiology or a response to a
generalised feature of the obese hyperinsulinaemic state.
Somatostatin
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Tissue and Serum
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Zucker Rats
