a method of determining the ability of a compound to both bind to somatostatin type - 5 receptor and inhibit amylin release . the method includes obtaining a preparation , either a cell preparation or a membrane preparation , which contains sstr - 5 ; incubating the preparation , the compound , and a sstr - 5 ligand , at least one of the ligand and the compound being detectably labeled ; determining the ability of the compound to compete against the ligand for binding to sstr - 5 ; if and only if the compound is determined to be able to bind to sstr - 5 , obtaining pancreatic cells ; incubating the compound , the pancreatic cells , and an amylin release stimulator under conditions in which the amylin release stimulator would induce release of amylin from the pancreatic cells ; and determining the ability of the compound to inhibit amylin release . also disclosed is a method of treating hyperamylinemia with a ligand selective for sstr - 5 .