Immunohistochemical demonstration of somatostatin-containing cells in the human placenta.

Present study using immunohistochemical methods clearly demonstrated the presence of somatostatin-containing cells in the human placenta. These cells were located in the cytotrophoblastic layer, while the layer of syncytiotrophoblasts showed no positive reaction. With the progress of gestation, these immunoreactive somatostatin-containing cells disappeared. It was suggested that somatostatin or somatostatin-like substances play an important role in the maintenance of gestation.