[The role of somatostatin and its systemic release in inflammatory, painful and other conditions].

Abstract

Somatostatin (SST) is a multifunctional peptide hormone of 14–28 amino acids, first discovered in the hypothalamus and later detected in other tissues, acting through different receptors (SST1–5). It has mainly inhibitory properties in endocrine and various nervous system processes. Its physiological properties and role go beyond the regulation of hormones, and it is involved in the modulation and regulation of neurogenic inflammation. During neurogenic inflammation, neuropeptides released from sensory neurons – such as substance P and the gene-related peptide calcitonin (CGRP) – trigger inflammatory responses. SST inhibits the release of these, other mediators and the associated inflammatory processes. The anti-inflammatory effect of SST has animportant clinical relevance in the treatment of neurological and inflammatory diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, migraine, chronic pain syndrome, neurodegenerative disorders, etc.). Synthetic derivatives (e.g., octreotide) can also be used in various clinical conditions, as well as in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumours (they inhibit excessive hormone production and tumour growth). Recent research has highlighted the importance of SST in pain perception. SST and its analogues are able to reduce nociceptive transmission and thus modulate pain sensation, especially in chronic and neuropathic pain. SST and its analogues represent a potential therapeutic target for modulating neurogenic and inflammatory pathophysiological processes, as a target for the treatment of pain and inflammatory diseases. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(4): 123–129.