Somatostatin
Also known as: GHIH · growth-hormone-inhibiting hormone
The hypothalamic hormone that inhibits growth-hormone release — the "off switch" opposing GHRH.
Somatostatin is a hormone released by the hypothalamus (and elsewhere) that inhibits the release of growth hormone from the pituitary. It is the counterweight to GHRH: one promotes GH release, the other suppresses it.
The balance between GHRH and somatostatin produces the natural pulsatile pattern of GH secretion. Understanding this push-pull is key to why GH secretagogues are studied for working within — rather than overriding — the body’s own rhythm.
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RELATED TERMS
GHRH
Growth-Hormone-Releasing Hormone — the hypothalamic hormone that signals the pituitary to release growth hormone.
Pituitary Gland
The "master gland" at the base of the brain that releases growth hormone and other hormones on hypothalamic command.
Hypothalamus
The brain region that governs the endocrine system, releasing GHRH and somatostatin to control the pituitary.
Growth Hormone (GH)
The pituitary hormone driving growth, repair and metabolism; the target of secretagogue rather than direct-supply research.
Secretagogue
A substance that prompts a gland to secrete a hormone — e.g. a GH secretagogue triggers the pituitary to release growth hormone.
Educational content, not medical advice. All products supplied for research purposes only — not for human consumption.