Long acting somatostatin analogue in dumping syndrome

The effect of long acting somatostatin analogue, SMS 201-995, on postprandial dumping syndrome was studied in eight patients with Billroth II gastric resection. Each patient was subjected to two oral glucose challenges with 75 g glucose. One challenge was premedicated with 50 micrograms SMS 201-995 subcutaneously 15 min before the oral intake of glucose, the other with placebo. With placebo all patients experienced the subjective symptoms of the early dumping syndrome with significant (P less than 0.001) increases (mean (s.d.)) in pulse rate (from 66 (8) to 102 (10) beats/min), in packed cell volume (from 0.36 (0.05) to 0.43 (0.1) l/l) and in the plasma levels of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (from 3.0 (0.5) to 10.2 (1.8) pmol/l). During the somatostatin study the subjective symptoms and the changes in the various parameters were not detected. In the control study seven patients showed postprandial hypoglycemia. In these patients significant elevations (P less than 0.001) in the insulin level (from 10 (0.9) to 40 (9.1) microE/ml) and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) concentration (from 100 (13) to 220 (41) ng/l) were seen, compared with the initial values. During the application of SMS 201-995 hypoglycaemia did not develop and plasma insulin and GIP concentrations remained unchanged. These results indicate that the long acting somatostatin analogue alleviates the symptoms of early and late postprandial dumping syndromes.     

Somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 (octreotide) as a possible solution to the dumping syndrome after gastrectomy or vagotomy

The dumping syndrome, which may follow partial gastrectomy or truncal vagotomy and drainage, may be refractory to treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the somatostatin analogue, SMS 201-995 (octreotide), on dumping provoked by hypertonic glucose. Ten patients with symptoms and signs of dumping were studied. After a dumping provocation test with placebo, all patients developed severe symptoms: seven patients had early dumping, two had both early and late dumping and one had late dumping alone. With either 50 or 100 micrograms SMS 201-995, the symptoms of early dumping were much reduced in all patients, and those of late dumping were completely abolished. The packed cell volume, pulse and systolic blood pressure changes of early dumping were significantly reduced by SMS 201-995 and the fall in blood glucose in patients with late dumping was abolished. SMS 201-995 may be a useful treatment for early and late dumping.     

Observations on the effect of a somatostatin analog in the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: implications for the treatment of apudomas

Somatostatin is known to inhibit hormone release and gastrointestinal secretion and hence may be useful in the treatment of amine precursor uptake, decarboxylase tumors. Clinical application has been limited by the short half-life, potency, and specificity of the natural hormone. Our study evaluated the effect of a synthetic analog of somatostatin, SMS 201-995 (Sandoz, Inc., E. Hanover, N.J.) on basal and stimulated gastrin release and gastric acid secretion in 10 patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. In experiment 1, H2-receptor antagonists were discontinued for 48 hours; SMS 201-995, 1 microgram/kg, was given subcutaneously; gastrin and SMS levels in plasma were determined by radioimmunoassay; and gastric secretion was measured and titrated at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 hours. The mean +/- SEM baseline gastrin level (1526 +/- 733 pg/ml) was significantly inhibited for 16 hours (p less than 0.05, paired t test). Gastric secretion was neutralized for as long as 18 hours (p 0.05). In experiment 2, three patients received either a secretin (2 U/kg) or a calcium stimulation test (2 mg/kg) with or without pretreatment with SMS 201-995, 1 microgram/kg, subcutaneously. The mean +/- SEM interpreted change in gastrin (ng X 60 min/ml) without SMS 201-995, 36.8 +/- 11 (secretin), and 129 +/- 30 (calcium) were reduced with SMS 201-995 to -1.1 +/- 0.76 (secretin) and -29 +/- 28 (calcium) (p less than 0.05). In the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, SMS 201-995 caused significant and long-lasting inhibition of both tumor gastrin release and gastric acid secretion, probably by direct action on both the gastrinoma and the stomach. SMS 201-995 blocks acid secretion and secretin- and calcium-stimulated gastrin release, indicating that SMS 201-995 inhibits peptide secretion by postreceptor mechanisms. SMS 201-995 will be useful in the palliative treatment of apudomas.     

Effects of a long-acting somatostatin analogue in patients with severe ileostomy diarrhoea

Proctocolectomy (PC) with small bowel resection may lead to profuse ileostomy diarrhoea which can be difficult to treat. The effect of a recently developed long acting somatostatin analogue (SMS 201-995) on ileostomy output was investigated in 5 patients who had undergone PC and ileal resection (median 120 cm) and who suffered severe diarrhoea (4-7 litres/24 h). Gastric emptying, transit of a standard meal through the small bowel and the amounts of nutrients excreted were simultaneously determined during double blind infusion of SMS (25 micrograms/h) and placebo (isotonic saline 125 ml/h). SMS 201-995 significantly reduced ileostomy output (P less than 0.05) and water excretion (P less than 0.05) and prolonged small bowel transit time (P less than 0.05). Whilst having little effect on gastric emptying, or on the excretion of glucose or nitrogen, fat excretion was significantly increased (P less than 0.05). In two patients subcutaneous administration of SMS 201-995 (50 micrograms b.d.) has maintained a reduced ileostomy output for 4 and 6 months respectively.     

Control of dumping symptoms by somatostatin analogue in patients after gastric surgery

Octreotide acetate is a long-acting analogue of the naturally occurring inhibitory gastrointestinal peptide, somatostatin. We tested the efficacy of octreotide in controlling the symptoms of dumping syndrome in response to a provocative meal in a randomized, double-blinded, crossover trial in nine severely affected patients. Pretreatment with octreotide acetate (100 micrograms injected subcutaneously) reduced postprandial dumping symptoms from a mean +/- SEM score of 15.7 +/- 1.6 (placebo treatment day) to 4.6 +/- 1.7. With placebo treatment, all nine patients became symptomatic in response to the meal, whereas with octreotide treatment, symptoms occurred in only two of nine patients. Similarly, all placebo-treated patients showed a postprandial increase in pulse rate to a mean +/- SEM of 105 +/- 6 beats per minute, whereas only one of nine octreotide-treated patients showed an increase in pulse rate (mean +/- SEM, 80 +/- 3 beats per minute). These differences were also statistically significant. While no significant changes were observed in postprandial hematocrit values or osmolality between placebo and octreotide treatments, octreotide prevented hypoglycemia in four affected patients and significantly inhibited insulin release. We conclude that octreotide is a useful tool in the treatment of patients with severe, refractory dumping syndrome.     

Effects of a somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 on hepatic haemodynamics in the pig and on intravariceal pressure in man

The effects of a somatostatin analogue, SMS 201-995, on hepatic haemodynamics in the pig and on intravariceal pressure in man were studied. An infusion of 250 micrograms/h SMS 201-995 significantly reduced portal pressure, portal venous flow and hepatic artery flow in the pig. These changes in hepatic haemodynamics were accompanied by a reduction in cardiac output, a reflex slowing of the heart and an increase in arterial blood pressure. Splanchnic vascular resistance was increased following SMS 201-995 administration but hepatic vascular resistance remained unchanged. Administration of 50 micrograms SMS 201-995 reduced the intravariceal pressure from 27.4 +/- 2.5 to 15.8 +/- 2.1 mmHg in 9 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Administration of 50 micrograms SMS 201-995 also reduced portal pressure from 29 to 22 mmHg in a patient undergoing an elective portacaval shunt. These results suggest that SMS 201-995 may be of value in the control of bleeding oesophageal varices. Furthermore, because of its prolonged duration of action SMS 201-995 may be useful in the long term management of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis.     

Somatostatin analogue inhibition of isolated parietal cell secretion

Somatostatin, somatotropin release-inhibiting factor (SRIF), is a regulatory peptide that has proved to directly inhibit parietal cell acid secretion. However, the therapeutic usefulness of SRIF has been limited by a brief plasma half-life. Several analogues of SRIF that are effective in suppressing acid secretion in vivo have been developed. This study was undertaken to compare the effects of SRIF and two analogues, SMS 201-995 and L-363,568, on in vitro acid secretion. We used isolated rabbit parietal cells prepared by collagenase digestion and counterflow elutriation. Acid secretion was assessed by the accumulation of 14C-aminopyrine within the cells. Two types of secretagogues were utilized: histamine (10(-6) mol/L), a membrane receptor agonist which acts by means of adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP, and forskolin (10(-6) mol/L), a direct activator of adenylate cyclase. SRIF, SMS 201-995, and L-363,568 (10(-11) to 10(-7) mol/L) all significantly inhibited histamine-stimulated 14C-AP uptake (p less than 0.001). On a molar basis, SMS 201-995 was 10 times more potent and L-363,568 was 40 times more potent than SRIF. SRIF, SMS 201-995, and L-363,568 significantly inhibited forskolin-stimulated 14C-AP uptake (p less than 0.005). The inhibitory effects of SRIF and both analogues on forskolin-stimulated acid secretion was, however, significantly less than that observed with histamine (p less than 0.05). These results demonstrate increased in vitro potency of SRIF analogues compared with the native peptide. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that SRIF and its analogues function at more than one site within the parietal cell.     

Treatment of pancreatic cutaneous fistulas with a somatostatin analog

Five pancreatic cutaneous fistulas were treated by subcutaneous administration of a long-acting synthetic analog of somatostatin, SMS 201-995. Patients included four men and one woman who ranged in age from 52 to 77 years. The fistulas developed after drainage of a pancreatic abscess, biopsy of a pancreatic mass, splenectomies for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and Felty's syndrome, and operative trauma, respectively. Fistula output consisted of 1,000 ml/day of amylase- and lipase-rich fluid in the patient with a pancreatic biopsy. The other four patients had low-output fistulas (100 to 250 ml/day) that had been draining for 1 to 12 months. Direct communication with the pancreatic duct was demonstrated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, sinography, or both in four of the five patients. Fistula output decreased from 340 +/- 376 ml/day to 63 +/- 36 ml/day on the first day of therapy with two daily doses of 0.05 mg SMS 201-995 (p less than 0.03) and to 13 +/- 19 ml/day on the seventh day of therapy (p less than 0.03). Two patients had prompt closure of their fistulas and one closed in 3 months. One patient with chronic pancreatitis and a duct stricture and one patient with recurring infection did not achieve permanent fistula closure with SMS 201-995. Because of its safety, ease of administration, and efficacy in decreasing fistula output, we believe somatostatin analog therapy is beneficial in hastening closure of pancreatic fistulas.     

The effects of a somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 on hepatic haemodynamics in the cirrhotic rat

The effects of a somatostatin analogue, SMS 201-995 on hepatic haemodynamics were studied in rats with dimethylnitrosamine-induced cirrhosis. An intravenous infusion of 1, 2 or 4 micrograms kg-1 body wt h-1 SMS 201-995 produced a rapid and sustained decrease in portal pressure, portal venous flow and liver blood flow without significantly altering arterial blood pressure or pulse. The reductions in portal pressure, portal venous flow and liver blood were accompanied by an increase in splanchnic vascular resistance. Portal venous resistance was not affected. Subcutaneous injection of 2 micrograms kg-1 body wt SMS 201-995 produced a gradual decrease in portal pressure, the maximum reduction occurring 18 min after administration. This reduction in portal pressure was sustained for a further 20 min. The results suggest that SMS 201-995 may be of value in the control of bleeding oesophageal varices. Furthermore, the prolonged duration of action of SMS 201-995 following its subcutaneous administration suggests that the analogue may be useful in the long-term management of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis.     

Inhibition of growth of human breast carcinomas in vivo by somatostatin analog SMS 201-995: treatment of nude mouse xenografts

Minced tumor fragments were xenografted into subcutaneous tissue of the lateral thoracic regions of young adult, virgin female nude mice to study the effects of somatostatin analog SMS 201-995 on growth of estrogen-dependent (MCF-7) and estrogen-independent (BT-20) human breast carcinomas. When tumors became palpable (6 to 10 days), mice were assigned randomly to receive either SMS (4 to 50 micrograms) or acetate buffer (0.2 ml) subcutaneously twice a day. For MCF-7, mean tumor volume was significantly lower on day 20 and days 30 through 50 in SMS-treated mice than in controls (p less than 0.05), and tumor doubling time was increased from 13.2 to 19.0 days. Calculated growth increment was significantly lower with SMS than with buffer treatment (1.1 +/- 0.1 vs 1.9 +/- 0.2) (p less than 0.001). For BT-20, mean tumor volume of SMS-treated mice was slightly, but not significantly, lower than that of controls; however, calculated growth increment was significantly lower for SMS treatment (3.2 +/- 0.3 vs 3.9 +/- 0.4) (p +/- 0.001), and tumor doubling time was increased from 4.0 to 5.8 days. For MCF-7, flow cytometric DNA analysis of tumor biopsy samples demonstrated a reduced G2 + M phase with SMS treatment. We conclude that SMS slows the growth of both MCF-7 and BT-20 human breast cancer xenografts in nude mice and that SMS may be clinically useful in the management of patients with breast carcinoma.     

Treatment of 27 postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas with the long half-life somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995.

Twenty-seven patients with postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas were treated with parenteral nutrition and SMS 201-995 (100 micrograms/8 hours, subcutaneously), a long half-life somatostatin analogue. At the time SMS 201-995 was started, 11 patients had low output fistulas (less than 1000 ml/48 hours), 11 patients had high output fistulas (above 1000 ml/48 hours), and 5 patients had fistulas sitting in large abdominal wall defects. Within 24 hours of treatment, a mean reduction of 55% of the fistula output was observed. Fistula site or output before treatment had no influence on the magnitude of output reduction. Spontaneous closure was achieved in 77% of the patients after a mean of 5.8 +/- 2.7 days of treatment with this drug. Two patients died (7.4%). Pain at the injection site was referred by 15% of the patients but no other side effects were observed. Glucose intolerance was not observed. SMS 201-995 has been shown to be very useful in the conservative treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas because of its ability to rapidly reduce fistula output and accelerate spontaneous closure.     

Effects of somatostatin and a long-acting somatostatin analogue on the prevention and treatment of experimentally induced acute pancreatitis in the rat

The effects of somatostatin (SRIF) and its long-acting analogue, SMS 201-995 on the prevention and treatment of acute pancreatitis were studied in rats. Acute pancreatitis was established by ligating the bile duct at the point of entry into the duodenum, thereby allowing reflux of bile into the pancreas. Administration of SRIF (4 micrograms kg-1 body wt IV followed by a 12 h infusion of 4 micrograms kg-1 body wt h-1) or SMS 201-995 (2 micrograms kg-1 body wt SC) at the time of bile duct ligation prevented the increase in the serum concentrations of amylase and lipase observed in control rats 12 h after bile duct ligation. Moreover, SRIF and SMS 201-995 administration prevented development of the histological changes consistent with acute pancreatitis observed in control animals. These results suggest that SRIF or SMS 201-995 may be of value in preventing acute pancreatitis following ERCP or after surgery on the pancreas. In rats with established pancreatitis, SRIF (IV bolus of 4 micrograms kg-1 body wt followed by a 24 h continuous infusion of 4 micrograms kg-1 body wt h-1) or SMS 201-995 (2 micrograms kg-1 body wt SC followed by a similar dose 12 h later): (1) significantly improved survival; (2) produced histological changes in the pancreas consistent with organization and healing; (3) prevented the accumulation of ascitic fluid; (4) reduced the serum levels of amylase and lipase. These results suggest that SRIF and SMS 201-995 may prove valuable in the treatment of established acute pancreatitis in man.     

Pulmonary hypertension and polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase after esophageal cancer operations

To evaluate the role of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) elastase in pulmonary impairment occurring after operation for esophageal cancer, 10 patients were randomized preoperatively into two equal groups. One group received a placebo infusion and the other, an infusion of the PMN elastase inhibitor ulinastatin. In the placebo group, the mean plasma PMN elastase level increased from 154 +/- 23 micrograms/L preoperatively to 449 +/- 56 micrograms/L at 6 hours postoperatively (p less than 0.01), whereas the mean plasma fibronectin concentration decreased from 490 +/- 70 micrograms/mL preoperatively to 265 +/- 81 micrograms/L on postoperative day 2 (p less than 0.01). The mean pulmonary vascular resistance increased markedly from 151 +/- 24 dynes.s.cm-5.m-2 preoperatively to 284 +/- 76 dynes.s.cm-5.m-2 at 6 hours postoperatively (p less than 0.01). In the group given ulinastatin, 150,000 units every 12 hours from the start of the operation, the mean PMN elastase value at 6 hours postoperatively was lower (275 +/- 66 micrograms/L; p less than 0.01) and the fibronectin level on postoperative days 1 and 2, higher (p less than 0.05). A lower pulmonary vascular resistance was noted into day 2 (p less than 0.05). Our results suggest that PMN elastase may participate in the development of postoperative pulmonary impairment.     

Effects of SMS 201-995 on the pharmacokinetic profile and cellular immune and toxic effects of cyclosporine in male Wistar rats

The immunosuppressant cyclosporine and the long-acting somatostatin analog SMS 201-995 (octreotide acetate) may have to be given simultaneously in diseases such as pancreatic transplantation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of SMS 201-995 on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine, and to assess whether the addition of SMS 201-995 altered some of the cellular immune and toxic (renal, hepatic, glucose tolerance) effects of cyclosporine. Male Wistar rats were treated with cyclosporine 10 mg/kg/day, SMS 201-995 100 micrograms/kg b.i.d., a combination of the two drugs, or the vehicle alone. The addition of SMS 201-995 delayed the peak plasma levels of cyclosporine without affecting the through levels, and did not alter the effects of cyclosporine on the mononuclear cell subsets. This combination caused significant increases in plasma creatinine and hepatic enzymes, suggesting renal and hepatic toxicity, and severe glucose intolerance. If present in humans, the appearance of severe glucose intolerance with combined administration of SMS 201-995 and cyclosporine for pancreatic transplantation could be misinterpreted as rejection and lead to inappropriate interventions.     

Effects of a somatostatin analogue (SMS 201-995) on hepatic and splenic reticulo-endothelial function in the rat

The effects of a long acting somatostatin analogue, SMS 201-995, on reticulo-endothelial system (RES) activity were studied in rats. Administration of 2 micrograms SMS 201-995 subcutaneously twice a day for 7 days significantly increased the splenic and hepatic uptake of 99mTc-sulphur colloid and damaged 51mCr-red blood cells. Furthermore, SMS 201-995 administration significantly increased the plasma clearance of colloidal carbon as indicated by a lower area under the curve and an increased elimination constant. SMS 201-995 administration also significantly improved survival after intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli endotoxin. These results suggest that SMS 201-995 stimulates RES activity in rats. It is suggested that SMS 201-995 may be of value in stimulating RES activity in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.     

Effects of a somatostatin analogue (SMS 201-995) on the growth and development of hepatic tumour derived by intraportal injection of Walker cells in the rat

Administration of a long active analogue of somatostatin, SMS 201-995 (2 micrograms subcutaneously twice a day) for 3 weeks after intraportal administration of Walker cells significantly inhibited their growth and development in the liver. This was not due to a direct cytotoxic effect of the analogue on Walker cells whose growth was stimulated in vitro. Furthermore, SMS 201-995 had no effect on the growth of Walker cells implanted into the thigh of rats suggesting that the inhibitory action of the analogue could be confined to tumour cells growing in the liver. Further studies suggested that the inhibitory effect of SMS 201-995 on the growth of Walker cells in the liver could be related to a marked stimulation of the hepatic reticuloendothelial system, by a reduction in portal venous flow in the early stages of treatment or by a combination of these effects. Further studies are required to delineate more precisely the mechanism whereby SMS 201-995 inhibits the growth of hepatic tumour derived from intraportal administration of Walker cells.     

The effect of SMS 201-995 on meal and CCK-stimulated peptide YY release

Somatostatin is known to inhibit the postprandial release of most gastrointestinal hormones. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an analog of somatostatin, SMS 201-995 (120 ng/kg/hr), on both meal-induced and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8, 500 ng/kg/hr)-induced peptide YY (PYY) release. Six mongrel dogs with distal ileal Thiry-Vella loops were used in this study. PYY was measured in both plasma and ileal luminal effluent. SMS 201-995 did not affect interdigestive plasma or ileal luminal PYY concentrations. CCK-8 and a fat meal both stimulated PYY release into the circulation. SMS 201-995 completely inhibited the CCK-8 and fat-stimulated circulatory release of PYY. Both CCK-8 and a mixed meal increased ileal luminal PYY recovery. SMS 201-995 inhibited CCK-8-induced, but not meal-induced, ileal luminal PYY recovery. These findings support previous studies that describe independent circulatory and ileal luminal PYY release. We conclude that both somatostatin and CCK may have a regulatory role in postprandial circulatory release of PYY.     

The effect of somatostatin on 5-hydroxytryptamine release from a carcinoid tumor

One of the major manifestations of the carcinoid syndrome is secretory diarrhea thought to be due to overproduction of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Synthetic somatostatin analogues have proved to be clinically effective in controlling this diarrhea. We have established a continuous cell line from a human pancreatic carcinoid tumor that secretes 5-HT. We examined the ability of the somatostatin analogue, SMS 201-995, to inhibit 5-HT release in vitro. Tumor cells were exposed to SMS 201-995 (10(-6) mol/L), pentagastrin (10(-9) mol/L), acetylcholine (10(-5) mol/L), and isoproterenol (10(-5) mol/L) alone and in combination; 5-HT release was assayed with high pressure liquid chromatography. We found that pentagastrin (6.43 +/- 0.64 ng/ml), isoproterenol (20.24 +/- 2.17 ng/ml), and acetylcholine (12.39 +/- 1.10 ng/ml) each stimulated release of 5-HT compared to control values (4.38 +/- 0.42 ng/ml). SMS 201-995 significantly reduced release of 5-HT in response to isoproterenol and acetylcholine but did not inhibit the effect of pentagastin. These data suggest that different agents do not act through the same pathway to stimulate 5-HT release from human pancreatic carcinoid cells.     

Efficacy of octreotide acetate in treatment of severe postgastrectomy dumping syndrome.

The present study evaluates the acute and chronic use of a long-acting somatostatin analog, octreotide acetate, in the treatment of patients with severe postgastrectomy dumping syndrome. In the acute phase, 10 patients with severe dumping were studied over 2 consecutive days before and for 3 hours after the ingestion of a 'dumping breakfast' in a randomized double-blind fashion. On one day octreotide (100 micrograms) was given subcutaneously 30 minutes before the test meal and on the other day an equal volume of vehicle was injected. An additional group of six postgastrectomy patients without dumping were studied in a similar fashion and these acted as controls. During placebo treatment the test meal resulted in an immediate increase (p less than 0.01) in the pulse rate and in plasma levels of glucose, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide, neurotensin, and insulin. Similar changes were seen in the control group with respect to placebo; however glucagon and neurotensin (p less than 0.05) did not show the same magnitude of increase as seen with placebo. Treatment with octreotide acetate prevented the development of both vasomotor and gastrointestinal symptoms and completely ablated all of the above responses in plasma peptides. These changes were associated with complete ablation of diarrhea (p less than 0.001). Pretreatment with octreotide acetate completely suppressed the rise in plasma insulin response to the meal and this ablated the late hypoglycemia of dumping. Treatment with octreotide acetate resulted in delayed gastric emptying and transit time (578 +/- 244 minutes) versus 76 +/- 23 minutes with placebo and 125 +/- 36 minutes in controls (p less than 0.05). Chronic daily treatment with octreotide acetate resulted in minimal side effects. These patients demonstrated a stable fasting plasma glucose, normal liver function tests, and an average weight gain of 11% during a 12-month period. In addition most patients were able to resume employment. The long-acting somatostatin analog, octreotide acetate, is highly effective in preventing the development of symptoms of severe dumping syndrome, both vasomotor and gastrointestinal.     

Metabolic effects of long-acting somatostatin analogue (sandostatin) in type I diabetic patients on conventional therapy

We evaluated the effectiveness of a more potent and longer-acting somatostatin analogue (SMS 201-995) as an adjunct to insulin therapy, in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study of 26 C-peptide-negative type I (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients (20 women, 6 men, aged 22-40 yr) on their conventional drug regimens for 12 wk. Eight patients received a low dose (10 micrograms) of the analogue, 9 received a high dose (50 micrograms) of the analogue, and 9 received placebo subcutaneously before breakfast and dinner. Twenty-four-hour serum glucose, free insulin, plasma growth hormone (GH), and glucagon profiles were obtained before and during treatment at 4-wk intervals. The mean age, duration of diabetes, daily insulin dose, and body weight were not significantly different among the groups. The mean weekly capillary blood glucose values and exogenous insulin requirements were not changed by the SMS 201-995 therapy. Mean glycosylated hemoglobin A1 levels were unchanged in both the analogue- and placebo-treated groups at wk 12. Basal and postprandial glucose, free insulin, GH, and glucagon profiles were not influenced by the SMS 201-995 therapy throughout the study. Nocturnal glucose turnover rates (D-[3-3H]glucose technique) remained unaltered by the analogue therapy. Dose-dependent gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects (e.g., diarrhea) were documented in the analogue-treated patients. Visual acuity and fundic photomicrographs of our patients were not changed by the analogue therapy. In conclusion, the prominent adverse GI effects our patients experienced preclude the use of larger doses of the analogue that may be necessary to suppress GH and glucagon and improve glucose control in type I diabetic patients.