Somatostatin is a peptide isolated originally from the hypothalamus and considered as an inhibitor of growth hormone secretion. However, further studies have shown that the peptide was ubiquitously distributed and exerts a large spectrum of physiological effects, mostly of an inhibitory nature. The very short half-life of the native peptide limits its therapeutic application. To overcome this limitation the long-lasting modified molecules (analogs) of somatostatin were synthesized. The present book provides comprehensive data on the application of somatostatin analogs in diagnostics and treatment of diseases, mostly endocrine disorders and cancers.
Biography
Marek Pawlikowski is Professor of Endocrinology in the Medical University of Lodz, Poland. In years 1975-2004 he was Director of the Institute of Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, and in years 1987-1990 President (Rector) of this medical school. His main research interest is neuroendocrinology and oncological endocrinology. He is a founder and the honorary President of the Polish Society of Neuroendocrinology, honorary member of the Polish Society of Endocrinology and honorary editor of Neuroendocrinology Letters.
