Which pancreatic islet cell secretes somatostatin, and what is its principal physiologic role within the islet?
- A Alpha cells, stimulating glucagon release
- B PP cells, inhibiting exocrine pancreatic secretion
- C Delta cells, inhibiting both insulin and glucagon release ✓
- D Beta cells, amplifying glucose-stimulated insulin secretion
Correct answer: C. Delta cells, inhibiting both insulin and glucagon release
Explanation
Somatostatin is produced by delta cells scattered through the islets. It acts locally as a paracrine brake, suppressing secretion of both insulin from beta cells and glucagon from alpha cells, and it also reduces exocrine pancreatic secretion. Its release is stimulated by rising glucose, amino acids, and gut hormones after meals, allowing coordinated damping of islet output. PP cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide, which affects exocrine secretion and gut motility, not islet hormone balance.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.