title: [Enzyme histochemical examinations of the visual system of the adult rat following unilateral enucleation].
abstract: 12 adult white lab-rats were enucleated and after a survival period of 1, 3, 7 and 30 days the activities of GABA-T, GDH, LDH, SDH and GPDH were demonstrated histochemically in the Tractus opticus (To), Corpus geniculatum laterale, pars dorsalis (CGLd) et ventralis (CGLv), Colliculus superior (Cs) and Nucleus olivaris praetectalis (Nop). Since the ipsi- and contralateral grisea are always in the same tissue section the enzyme activities can be quantitatively compared by visual impression without a greater mistake. In To enucleation caused a hypertrophy of astrocytes together with an increase of the activities of GABA-T, GDH, LDH, and GPDH in these cells. The reactions indicate a more intensive metabolism in connection with the myelin degradation. In CGLd, CGLv, Cs and Nop following enucleation there appeared contralaterally a graded loss in the activities of GDH, LDH, GPDH, and GABA-T; only SDH scarely changed its activity. The fastest and strongest reaction was found in Cs and Nop, while CGLd and CGLv reacted later and to a less degree. In CGLv the enzyme reaction was limited to the lateral part of the nucleus. As diminution of activity is caused by degeneration of the retinal terminals the effected enzymes must be localised in cytoplasma and mitochondria of these terminals. Taking into account findings from literature the following is concluded from the time patterns, the degree of diminution of the enzyme activities and the relation of retinal to extraretinal terminals in the individual nuclei: GABA probably acts as a transmitter in interneurons of CGLd, Cs, and Nop. Glutamate is a transmitter in Cs and Nop.
mesh_terms: D000612:4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D004292:Dominance, Cerebral / Q000502:physiology; D005829:Geniculate Bodies / Q000201:enzymology; D005969:Glutamate Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D005993:Glycerolphosphate Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000201:enzymology; D051381:Rats; D012160:Retina / Q000201:enzymology*; D012683:Sensory Deprivation; D013385:Succinate Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D013477:Superior Colliculi / Q000201:enzymology; D013787:Thalamic Nuclei / Q000201:enzymology; D014793:Visual Cortex / Q000201:enzymology; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000201:enzymology*
chemical_list: D005993:Glycerolphosphate Dehydrogenase; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; D013385:Succinate Dehydrogenase; D005969:Glutamate Dehydrogenase; D000612:4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase
vernacular_title: Enzymhistochemische Untersuchungen am visuellen System der adulten Ratte nach unilateraler Enucleation.