Breast specimens undergo shrinkage after histological fixation, losing more than a third of their original closest free margin, whilst the tumour itself does not shrink substantially. This phenomenon has vital implications in the accuracy of margin analysis and consequent decisions on further management, including re-operation and the institution of adjuvant radiotherapy.

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In the present study the effect of somatostatin on amylase secretion was determined using in vivo cannulation and isolated acini from rat pancreas. In vivo somatostatin-14 inhibited amylase secretion in basal state and that stimulated with CCK8 and acetylcholine. Somatostatin-14 and somatostatin-28 failed to inhibit amylase secretion from isolated acini in basal state and that stimulated with CCK8 and bethanechol. Somatostatin-14 did not increase 45Ca uptake or efflux of label from acini preloaded with 45Ca. Cellular cyclic AMP levels were not significantly increased. Somatostatin-14 did not alter the synthesis of proteins in vitro, as judged by incorporation of a mixture of fifteen 14C-labeled amino acids. Somatostatin-14 stimulated phosphoprotein phosphatase in higher doses, whereas no effect was observed at lower doses. Inhibition of secretion in vivo and lack of stimulation of amylase secretion in isolated acini suggest that the somatostatin effect in vivo is mediated by an indirect effect similar to other peptides, for example, opiates and neurotensin. Stimulation of phosphoprotein phosphatase suggests that somatostatin may bind to the acinar cells and affect functions other than secretion and synthesis of enzymes.