Cortistatin is a neuropeptide first identified in 1996 in the cerebral cortex, sharing 11 of 14 amino acids with somatostatin-14 yet exhibiting a distinct pharmacological profile. While somatostatin is primarily an endocrine inhibitor, cortistatin has emerged as a potent endogenous anti-inflammatory mediator with therapeutic potential in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Dosage Information (Research Use)
Research doses: 0.5-2 nmol/mouse in animal studies. No standardized human dosing. Very short half-life necessitates continuous infusion or analog development. Research compound only.
Reconstitution & Handling
Reconstitute in sterile PBS. Extremely short half-life — prepare fresh.
Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics
~2-4 minutes (plasma)
Reported Observations in Literature
Limited human data. Animal studies show good tolerability. Potential for transient GH suppression through SSTR binding. Sleep-promoting effects noted (hence the name “cortistatin” — cortex + statin).
Key Research References
- Gonzalez-Rey E et al. “Cortistatin, a new antiinflammatory peptide.” Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008;1144:135-45