Physiological role and neuroprotective effects of somatostatin in retina / 中华实验眼科杂志

ABSTRACT

Somatostatin, also called somatotropin release-inhibiting factor (SRIF), is a kind of neurotransmitter, neuromodulator and neurotrophic factor, which participates in a variety of physiological functions in the central nervous system by activating the five G-protein-coupled receptors (sst 1-sst 5). SRIF and its receptors are extensively expressed and distributed in retina.Activation of SRIF receptors modulates voltage-gated K + and Ca 2+ channels, and regulates multiple intracellular signaling pathways in retinal cells, then influences neurotransmitter release and synaptic transmission, which plays an important role in the regulation of retinal visual information processing.In addition, SRIF and its receptors may provide protective effects against retinal injuries, such as retinal ischemia, excitotoxic injury and diabetic retinopathy.In this article, connected with related previous researches of our team, the distribution of SRIF and its receptor in retina, as well as the role of SRIF and its receptor in the physiological regulation and neuroprotection of retina were reviewed.