NEUROPEPTIDE SOMATOSTATIN MODULATOR OF CENTRAL MECHANISMS OF BREATHING CONTROL

Somatostatin is a hypothalamic neuropeptide suppressing the secretion of
somatotropin-releasing-factor, somatotropin and some other physiologically active
peptides. Somatostatin and its receptors are widely distributed in many CNS
structures and peripheral organs; it suggests the involvement of somatostatin in
regulation of different physiological functions. Presence of somatostatin and its
receptors in respiratory-related nuclei of the brain stem suggests the involvement
of the peptide in the respiratory control. In the paper, data about different
physiological effects of somatostatin, particularly regarding the involvement in
central mechanisms of the respiratory control, are summarized.