Emphasis was recently placed on the modulation of glucagon secretion attributable to a paracrine effect of somatostatin. This review draws attention to prior findings related to such a view. The effects of nutrient secretagogues upon insulin, somatostatin and glucagon release by the perfused pancreas are first considered. Three examples of paradoxical secretory responses of insulin- and glucagon-producing cells are then given. Further experiments dealing with the possible role of somatostatin upon glucagon release and the relevance of pancreatic compartmentation are also presented. It is concluded that these prior findings provide, within limits, support to the postulated paracrine role of somatostatin in the control of glucagon secretion.