Somatostatin Cell is a type of cell found in the pancreas and digestive system that produces the hormone somatostatin. The word "somatostatin" is spelled /soʊmətoʊˈstætɪn/ in IPA phonetic transcription, reflecting its pronunciation. The word is derived from the Greek words "soma," meaning body, and "statin," meaning to stop. Somatostatin acts as a hormone and neurotransmitter, inhibiting the secretion of other hormones such as insulin and glucagon. The somatostatin cell has an important role in regulating digestion and metabolism.
A somatostatin cell, also known as a delta cell, is a type of cell found in the pancreas and other regions of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. These cells are responsible for producing somatostatin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions.
The somatostatin cell is part of the pancreatic islets, which are small clusters of endocrine cells within the pancreas. These cells account for about 5-10% of the pancreatic islet cells. Somatostatin cells have a distinct appearance, characterized by a round or polygonal shape, and they are scattered among other types of cells within the islets.
Somatostatin produced by these cells acts as an inhibitory hormone, meaning it slows down or suppresses the activity of other cells. It has a wide range of functions, including the regulation of insulin and glucagon secretion from neighboring cells, as well as the suppression of growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. Somatostatin also inhibits the secretion of other hormones, such as gastrin and secretin, involved in digestive processes.
Furthermore, somatostatin acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, where it modulates the release of various neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, contributing to the regulation of neuronal activity.
Overall, somatostatin cells are essential for maintaining hormonal balance and regulating various physiological processes throughout the body.
The word "Somatostatin" is derived from the Greek words "soma" meaning "body" and "statin" meaning "stationary" or "immobilize". It was coined by Dr. Andrew Schally, a Nobel laureate, in 1973 to describe a hormone secreted by certain cells that has an inhibitory effect on bodily functions. The term "cell" refers to the specific type of cell that produces and releases somatostatin hormone.