Effect of the somatostatin analogue SMS-201-995 on the adrenergic response to glucose ingestion in patients with postprandial hypotension

purpose: The somatostatin analogue SMS-201-995 has recently been introduced as a new therapy for postprandial hypotension in patients with autonomic neuropathy. The present study was performed to determine the effect of SMS-201-995 on the adrenergic response to glucose ingestion in patients with this disorder. patients and methods: Eleven patients with postprandial hypotension were studied: six with central autonomic dysfunction (multiple system atrophy) and five with peripheral sympathetic dysfunction (progressive autonomic failure). Patients received either a subcutaneous injection of SMS-201-995 or a placebo injection, immediately before administration of a 50-g glucose drink. Each treatment was given on separate, consecutive days in a randomized fashion. results: Glucose ingestion caused a decrease in blood pressure (from 82 ± 6 mm Hg to 66 ± 7 mm Hg, p <0.01) and an increase in plasma norepinephrine level (165 ± 20 pg/mL to 305 ± 85 pG/m, p <0.01) in five patients with progressive autonomic failure. Administration of SMS-201-995 prevented both the decline in blood pressure and the increase in norepinephrine. By contrast, glucose ingestion elicited no increase in plasma norepinephrine levels despite profound hypotension (average post-prandial mean blood pressure, 55 ± 3 mm Hg) in six patients with multiple system atrophy. Administration of SMS-201-995 prevented postprandial hypotension in these patients, but had no effect on plasma norepinephrine. conclusion: Our data indicate that the pressor effect of SMS-201-995 is independent of the sympathetic nervous system in patients with multiple system atrophy, but may suppress the adrenergic response to glucose ingestionin patients with progressive autonomic failure. © 1989.