EFFECT OF SOMATOSTATIN ON MESENTERIC VASCULAR-RESISTANCE IN NORMAL AND PORTAL HYPERTENSIVE RATS

Vasoactive effects of natural somatostatin (SRIF-14) and its analogue octreotide were studied in in vitro perfused superior mesenteric arterial beds of normal (Sham) and portal hypertensive (PVL) rats. Tested concentrations covered the whole range used in clinical settings (10(-10) to 10(-5) M for SRIF-14 and 10(-11) to 10(-6) M for octreotide, respectively). Vessel resistances only minimally changed to infusions of SRIF-14 (from 3.5 +/- 0.4 to 3.7 +/- 0.5 mmHg.ml-1.min and 3.8 +/- 0.3 to 3.9 +/- 0.4 mmHg.ml-1.min for PVL and Sham) and octreotide (from 3.3 +/- 0.2 to 3.4 +/- 0.4 mmHg.ml-1.min and 3.8 +/- 0.4 to 4.0 +/- 0.4 mmHg.ml-1.min for PVL and Sham). The same was true for bolus injections. In contrast, norepinephrine induced significant increases in vessel resistance (up to 110.6 +/- 20.1 mmHg.ml-1.min). In conclusion, SRIF-14 and octreotide exert no direct effect on vascular smooth muscle tone in splanchnic resistance vessels of Sham and PVL rats. The vasoconstriction reported in vivo seems therefore probably mediated by the ability of these peptides to inhibit the secretion of vasodilatatory substances.