[14] The somatostatin receptor 2 is also being looked at as a possible target in cancer treatment for its ability to inhibit tumor growth.
These proteins are released in various parts of the human body and vary in the amount emitted from each organ system.
These proteins have a tendency of being emitted in response to items such as: ions, nutrients, neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, hormones, growth factors, and cytokines.
This hormone is also known to perform agonist-dependent endocytosis, which allows a cell to take in receptors, ions, and other molecules.
A major function of the protein made by the gene SSTR2 is pancreatic interaction with the alpha and beta cells.
It also represses motor activity in the gut by blocking segmentation of the intestines, gallbladder contraction, and emptying of the bowels.
This inhibition by somatostatin allows the body to uptake the maximum amount of nutrients in the digestive system.
[20] Along with the gut and pancreas, SSTR2 also inhibits secretion of neurotransmitters in the central and peripheral nervous system.
Many of these hormones help the body maintain homeostasis or react properly to a stimulus such as something pleasurable or a stress in the environment.
Because of which, the receptors for somatostatin type 2 impact the body's locomotor, sensory, autonomic, and cognitive functions.
Somatostatin 2 receptors have been found in concentration on the surface of tumor cells, particularly those associated with the neuroendocrine system where the overexpression of somatostatin can lead to many complications[22][23] Due to this, these receptors are considered a prospective aid for the detection of tumors, especially in patients who present with conditions like hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome.
[24][25] A synthetic version of the somatostatin hormone, octreotide, has been successfully used in combination with radio-peptide tracers to locate adrenal gland tumors through scintigraphic imaging.
[26] Octreotide and other analogs are preferred for this use due to their possessing of an extended half life compared to the naturally-occurring hormone allowing for more flexibility when used for such treatments.
One group suggests that the treatment method would be particularly effective against thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas (TSHomas), though further inquiries and clinical trials are needed.
[28] Paltusotine is a promising selective oral once-daily nonpeptide SSTR2 agonist in development as long-term maintenance therapy of acromegaly in adults.
There, researchers found that the tumor cell line expresses a cell dividing inhibitor known as the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)[33] and also acts as an inhibitor to the milk producing hormone in female mammals, prolactin, and growth hormones.
[37] This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.