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Experimental studies on the ultrastructural localization of acetylcholinesterase in the mediobasal hypothalamus of the rat
Author(s) -
Carson Keith A.,
Nemeroff Charles B.,
Rone Michael S.,
Nicholson Gayle F.,
Kizer John S.,
Hanker Jacob S.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
journal of comparative neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.855
H-Index - 209
eISSN - 1096-9861
pISSN - 0021-9967
DOI - 10.1002/cne.901820203
Subject(s) - arcuate nucleus , neuropil , median eminence , biology , acetylcholinesterase , nucleus , hypothalamus , endocrinology , cholinergic , cresyl violet , medicine , anatomy , staining , neuroscience , central nervous system , enzyme , biochemistry , genetics
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity has been demonstrated ultra structurally in neurons of the arcuate nucleus and associated with fibers in the arcuate nucleus and the median eminence (ME) of the rat. In addition, the effects of neonatal monosodium glutamate (MSG) treatment and Halász deafferentation on the AChE staining and localization have been studied. Neonatal MSG‐treatment resulted in loss of the majority of AchE‐positive neurons in the arcuate nucleus while leaving neuropil staining intact. Haläsz deafferentation caused a loss of arcuate neuropil activity while leaving the neuronal staining unaltered. These observations are consistent with previous biochemical results suggesting the existence of a cholinergic tuberoinfundibular system with nerve cells in the arcuate nucleus and terminals in the median eminence. In addition, the deafferentation experiments indicated that extra‐hypothalamic cholinergic fibers may innervate the arcuate nucleus. Supporting evidence from other biochemical studies and the curious paucity of histochemical and biochemical AChE activity in the ME are also discussed.