The influence of somatostatin on calcitonin secretion in albino rats

The effects of somatostatin on calcitonin secretion were studied in male Wistar albino rats. In anesthetized rats, the administration of synthetic somatostatin induced a reduction in the calcitonin content of the thyroid. In animals with destroyed central adrenergic neurons, the effects of somatostatin were less visible. An intravenous injection of somatostatin did not affect the baseline calcitonin level, but it did prevent the rise in calcitonin concentration elicited by the intravenous administration of calcium gluconate.