Somatostatin gastrin and c-peptide in thyroid dysfunction

ABSTRACT

Three groups of subjects were chosen 20 patients with primary hypothyroidism, 20 patients with primary hyperthyroidism, and 15 euthyroid subjects as a control group. Plasma somatostatin, gastrin and C peptide were determined in both fasting and 1-hour postprandial after standard oral glucose load, FT3, FT4, TSH, oral glucose tolerance curve, serum cholesterol and triglycerides were also determined. It was found that both basal and stimulated somatostatin plasma concentrations were elevated in hypothyroidism and diminished in hyperthyroidism. On the contrary, serum gastrin and C peptide were decreased. Elevated somatostatin level in hypothyroidism has an inhibitory effect on gastrin and C peptide was elevated in hyperthyroidism, however, glucose intolerance was noticed in only 20% of these subjects. Elevated gastrin level in hyperthyroidism suggests a role for gastrointestinal disturbances observed in these patients