What hormone do delta cells of the pancreas produce to inhibit the release of glucagon and insulin?

The hormone produced by delta cells of the pancreas that plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar levels is somatostatin. Somatostatin functions as an inhibitory hormone; it helps maintain homeostasis by suppressing the secretion of both glucagon and insulin.

Glucagon is released by alpha cells of the pancreas and works to raise blood sugar levels, while insulin, produced by beta cells, lowers blood sugar levels. Somatostatin acts as a regulatory mechanism that prevents too much glucagon or insulin from being released, thereby ensuring that blood sugar levels remain stable. This balance is crucial for metabolic processes and overall energy homeostasis in the body. Moreover, somatostatin also inhibits the release of other hormones and gastrointestinal secretions, further contributing to its role in regulating digestive and endocrine functions.

Understanding the function of somatostatin highlights the complex interplay between different hormones and cells within the pancreas and their importance in metabolic regulation.