Abstract
We modified the histochemical method of cholinesterases at electron microscope level of Barrnett and studied the fine structural localization of these enzymes in the striatum, locus coeruleus and hypothalamus of the rat brain. Important results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. The perfusion fixation of the brain with barbital acetate buffered formolsucrose-calcium followed by cutting into thin sections by the automicrochopper proved important to obtain the constant and uniform results in the histochemical demonstration of AChE at electron microscope level. However, inhibition studies of eserine and DFP upon thiolacetic hydrolysis appeared rather insufficient to exactly differentiate AChE from ChE. 2. AChE in the perikaryon of the nerve cells in the observed regions was demonstrated not only on the endoplasmic reticulum but also within the large vacuoles related to the Golgi apparatus. This finding was especially marked in the locus coeruleus. 3. The synaptic area especially in the striatum (marked cholinergic) showed 2 types of axo-dendritic synapses. The one exhibited the rather clear axoplasm with a few granular deposits and the apposed synaptic membranes, on which a moderate amount of granular deposits was demonstrated. The other type had rather dense axon terminals with contacting dendritic branches, both of which showed moderate numbers of reaction deposits. 4. In the hypothalamus, regarded as non-cholinergic or adrenergic, some axon terminals revealed small number of black deposits due to AChE in addition to the synaptic vesicles and catecholamine-containing granules.
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