The effect of growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) on secretion of insulin, glucagon and somatostatin from perfused rat pancreas

To examine the effects of growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) on islet hormone release, rat pancreas was perfused. rhGRF at the concentration of 10(-7) M or more enhanced insulin secretion stimulated by 16.7 mM glucose, hpGRF slightly enhanced insulin secretion as well. The insulin secretion induced by 10(-6) M rhGRF was completely inhibited by 10(-6) M propranolol. rhGRF at the concentration of 10(-8) M or more stimulated glucagon secretion even in the presence of 16.7 mM glucose. The glucagon secretion stimulated by 10(-6) M rhGRF was inhibited in the early period but increased thereafter by 10(-6) M propranolol. 10(-6) M rhGRF slightly stimulated glucagon secretion in the presence of 16.7 mM glucose when STZ diabetic rat pancreas was perfused. rhGRF at the concentration of 10(-6) M enhanced somatostatin secretion stimulated with 16.7 mM glucose. We concluded that rhGRF stimulated insulin, glucagon and somatostatin secretion and the insulin secretion was inhibited by beta-blocker. hpGRF stimulated insulin and glucagon secretion as well.