Inhibition of stress ulcer formation with somatostatin in rats.

Prophylactitc effect of somatostatin (Growth hormone inhibiting hormone) on restraint stress ulcer formation was studied in rats. Rats treated with somatostatin before and during stress had only the fifth part of the ulcers of the untreated animals after 9 hours of immobilisation. Pathophysiologic mechanism for stress ulcer production is as well discussed as the prohibiting effect of somatostatin on ulcer formation. Prophylactic clinical use has to be considered.