Which cells secrete somatostatin in the pancreas?

• A. Alpha
• B. Beta
• C. Delta
• D. PP

Answer: (C)

Delta cells secrete somatostatin in the pancreas. Located in the islets of Langerhans, these cells release somatostatin to act as a local regulator, inhibiting the release of insulin from beta cells and glucagon from alpha cells. This paracrine inhibition helps fine-tune hormonal responses after meals and keeps blood glucose levels from swinging too much. Somatostatin also modulates exocrine pancreatic secretion and gastrointestinal motility, coordinating digestive processes with endocrine signals. The other pancreatic islet cell types have different roles: alpha cells produce glucagon, beta cells produce insulin, and PP cells produce pancreatic polypeptide, which is why somatostatin production is specific to the delta cell population.