Biochemical and histochemical evidence of 16S acetylcholinesterase in salivary glands.

Abstract

Three forms of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) have been reported: the 4S, 10S, and 16S forms. It was suggested previously that 16S AChE is characteristic of the end-plate region; subsequently its presence has also been demonstrated in sciatic nerve, vagus nerve, several nerve trunks, cardiac atria, and distal ileum of rat. The purpose of the present study was to investigate further the occurrence of 16S AChE. We found that not only is it present in motor axons but that it may also occur in the secretory postganglionic parasympathetic fibers in the synapse-free parotid and submandibular glands.