The peptide release inhibitor, Octreotide (SMS 201-995), prevents the haemodynamic changes following food ingestion in normal human subjects.

We have determined the haemodynamic responses to a balanced liquid meal in eight normal subjects, before and after administration of the somatostatin analogue, Octreotide (SMS 201-995), which inhibits the release of gastrointestinal peptides. In the absence of Octreotide ingestion of the meal caused a marked increase in superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow. Blood pressure was maintained, presumably by a compensatory rise in cardiac output and forearm vascular resistance. After Octreotide there was a fall in SMA blood flow alone, with no further changes after food ingestion. We conclude that Octreotide prevents the haemodynamic changes following food ingestion, probably by inhibiting the release of those gastrointestinal peptides that induce splanchnic vasodilatation.