Somatostatin levels during infancy, pregnancy, and lactation: A review

This paper reviews research on somatostatin (SS) levels during infancy, pregnancy, and lactation. Neonates have elevated levels of circulating SS, which reach a peak at the age of 3 months and then decrease gradually, but remain elevated during the first years of life. SS response to feeding is not well developed in newborns. Elevated levels are also found during pregnancy, especially during the late phases. Influence of sucking on maternal SS plasma levels is varied and could be related to vagal stimulation, pH levels, and basal SS levels. SS has been found in high concentrations in maternal milk. Milk-borne SS appears to be protected from proteolysis by milk components, but apparently SS is not absorbed in its intact form through the duodenal wall and its effects could be indirect. More research is needed to determine the regulating role of milk-borne SS and the contribution of SS to development.