Gene Alias

Octreotide

Background

Octreotide is a long-acting drug with pharmacologic activities that mimic those of the natural hormone, somatostatin, which inhibits the secretion of growth hormone. Additionally, it is used for the treatment of acromegaly and symptoms arising from various tumors, including carcinoid tumors and vasoactive intestinal tumors (VIPomas). Octreotide binds to somatostatin receptors coupled to phospholipase C through G proteins and leads to smooth muscle contraction in the blood vessels. Downstream effects that stimulate phospholipase C, the production of 1, 4,5-inositol triphosphate, and action on the L-type calcium channels lead to the inhibition of growth hormone, treating the various growth-hormone and metabolic effects of acromegaly. Octreotide's suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH), reduction in splanchnic blood flow, and inhibition of serotonin, gastrin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, secretin, motilin, and pancreatic polypeptide provide relief for the gastrointestinal and flushing symptoms of carcinoid and/or VIPoma tumors.