Immunohistochemical localization of hypothalamic hormones.

Using an immunoperoxidase technique at the light and electron microscope levels, the localization of somatostatin and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) has been performed in the brain, as well as the pancreas and stomach. The following generalizations may be drawn on the localization of LH-RH and somatostatin. (a) LH-RH and somatostatin are contained in axons and nerve endings of the median eminence and organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis. (b) LH-RH and somatostatin are present in different nerve endings. (c) In the subcommissural organ, subfornical organ and area postrema, the two neurohormones are present in the cytoplasm of ependyman and subependymal cells. (d) In the endocrine pancreas and gastric mucosa, somatostatin is localized within the secretory granules of specific endocrine cells.