Somatostatin inhibits neutrophil elastase release in vitro

Abstract The influence of the long-acting somatostatin analogue, SMS 201–995, on FMLP-induced neutrophil elastase release in vitro has been investigated. Doses from 150 ng/ml upwards inhibited elastase release, with 100% inhibition by 2500 ng/ml. Inhibition was demonstrated both by an assay measuring elastase immunometrically and by an assay based on its enzyme activity. The demonstration that SMS 201–995 inhibits protease release from polymorphonuclear leukocytes may have implications for the long-term clinical use of this somatostatin analogue.