5 Human somatostatin receptor subtypes (sst1-5) mediate the antisecretory and antiproliferative effects of somatostatin. We examined somatostatin receptor protein expression in 28 human normal tissues. Immunostaining was performed with specific polyclonal antibodies for sst1-5. Staining pattern and distribution of ssts were evaluated. Anterior pituitary was positively stained for all 5 ssts. Pancreatic islets exhibited a positive staining for sst1-3 and sst5. Adrenal cortex expressed all 5 receptor subtypes, while the medulla was positive for sst3 and sst5 only. The thyroid expressed sst5 only, limited to single interfollicular cells. All 5 ssts were detected in the ovary, limited to luteinized granulosa cells of the corpus luteum. In the testis, sst2A was detected in the basal parts of the tubules, while sst5 was positively stained in the luminal parts. Sst1 was found in Leydig cells only. Stomach was positively stained for all 5 ssts. Investigation of the kidney revealed differential expression, with sst2A being found in the glomerules. The tubules expressed all 5 ssts. In the bone marrow cells of the granulocytopoiesis expressed sst2A only. The cerebellum expressed sst5 in a certain cell type, representing presumably Purkinje cells, while sst2A was stained in intercellular fibers. The expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes in a variety of human normal tissues may indicate a physiological role in these organs. Somatostatin analogues may offer new diagnostic and therapeutic implications for tumours related to these tissues. However, treatment of defined tumours with somatostatin analogues may also alter other normal tissues.
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