At least five different types of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs): SSTR1-5 have been recently cloned. Here, we report the distribution of somatostatin receptor 3 (SSTR3) mRNA in spinal cord and spinal ganglia by in situ hybridization. We demonstrate the presence of this transcript in motorneurones of the spinal cord and other motor nuclei of the brain stem, and in the sensory neurones of the spinal ganglia. These data suggest a role for SSTR3 in motor and sensory functions.