In acromegaly, the main pharmacologic action of octreotide is to:

In acromegaly, the main pharmacologic action of octreotide is to:

• A. Reverse bone changes
• B. Lower blood pressure
• C. Suppress growth hormone release
• D. Increase growth hormone release

Answer: (C)

Octreotide acts as a somatostatin analog that binds to somatostatin receptors on pituitary GH-secreting cells, inhibiting growth hormone release. In acromegaly, where a pituitary adenoma drives excess GH (and thus elevated IGF-1 with many symptoms), the therapeutic goal is to lower GH levels, which reduces IGF-1 production and alleviates clinical effects. This drug’s primary action is not to reverse established bone changes directly, nor to lower blood pressure as its main effect, nor to increase GH release. Over time, reducing GH leads to lower IGF-1 and improvement in symptoms.

Octreotide acts as a somatostatin analog that binds to somatostatin receptors on pituitary GH-secreting cells, inhibiting growth hormone release. In acromegaly, where a pituitary adenoma drives excess GH (and thus elevated IGF-1 with many symptoms), the therapeutic goal is to lower GH levels, which reduces IGF-1 production and alleviates clinical effects. This drug’s primary action is not to reverse established bone changes directly, nor to lower blood pressure as its main effect, nor to increase GH release. Over time, reducing GH leads to lower IGF-1 and improvement in symptoms.