Immunohistochemical localization of somatostatin in endocrine cells of the rat stomach.

Using an immunohistochemical technique involving unlabeled antibody and the peroxidase-anti-peroxidase complex, we have localized somatostatin (or growth hormone-release inhibiting hormone), a hypothalamic hormone which can also inhibit gastrin secretion, in the rat stomach. Somatostatin was found to be present in a few cells in the mucosa of the pyloric antrum. These cells are characterized by the presence of secretory granules of about 150-250 nm in diameter and are probably endocrine cells.