Objective To study the distribution of cerebrospinal fluid contacting somatostatinergic neurons in the periventricular area of the third cerebral ventricle in rats.Method Immunocytochemical method was used for the observation. Results Some of somatostatin positive neurons were distributed in the ependymal and subependymal layers of the third ventricle.Conclusion There are cerebrospinal fluid contacting somatostatinergic neurons in the periventricular area of the third ventricle in rats.