Abstract
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.
Key words
sst1–5 - physiology - regulation - immunohistochemistry