Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) was first isolated from ovine hypothalamus and was known to stimulate the release of growth factor in various cells. Recently, we reported the cellular localization of PACAP and its type I (PAC1) receptor in rat placenta during pregnancy. Placenta is a critical organ that synthesizes several growth factors and angiogenic factors for the fetal development and its own growth. However, there is little information regarding the cellular localization of PACAP and its receptor in human placenta at various gestations. The aim of the present study was to define the expression and distribution of PACAP and PAC1 receptor mRNAs in the human placenta during the pregnancy period. PACAP and PAC1 receptor mRNAs were expressed in stroma cells of stem villi and terminal villi. At the early stage, on 7 and 14 weeks, PACAP and PAC1 receptor genes were moderately expressed in stroma cells surrounding the blood vessels within stem villi. These genes were strongly expressed in stroma cells of stem villi and terminal villi on 24 and 38 weeks. The expression of these genes was increased as gestation advanced, and localized in the same areas. Localization of PACAP and PAC1 receptor demonstrate the evidence that PACAP may play an important role, as an autoregulator or pararegulator via its PAC1 receptor. In conclusion, our findings strongly suggest that PACAP may have a critical role in physiological function of the placenta for gestational maintenance and fetal growth.