Alpha-Defensin vs Octreotide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Alpha-Defensin
Alpha-defensins are small cationic peptides that are key components of the innate immune system. They have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.
Full details →Octreotide
Octreotide (Sandostatin) is a synthetic somatostatin analog FDA-approved for acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, and VIPomas. It inhibits growth hormone and various GI hormones.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Alpha-Defensin | Octreotide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Insert into microbial membranes to form pores, leading to cell death. Also have immunomodulatory effects including chemotaxis of immune cells and cytokine modulation. | Binds to somatostatin receptors (primarily SSTR2 and SSTR5) to inhibit GH, glucagon, insulin, and gastric secretions. Reduces blood flow to GI tract and inhibits tumor hormone secretion. |
| Typical Dosage | Research compound - dosing varies by application. Typically studied in laboratory and early clinical research settings rather than for general use. | Varies by indication. Acromegaly: 50-100mcg three times daily initially, up to 500mcg TID. LAR (long-acting): 20-30mg IM every 4 weeks. |
| Administration | Various routes studied including topical, local injection, and systemic administration depending on application. | Subcutaneous injection for immediate-release (between meals). Intramuscular for LAR depot form. Requires monitoring of gallbladder, glucose, and thyroid. |
| Side Effects | Limited human use data. May cause local inflammation. Potential for immune activation effects. | GI effects (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain), gallstones (up to 25% of long-term users), injection site reactions, and blood glucose changes. |
| Best For |