Double-labeling of rat alpha-motoneurons for cytochrome oxidase and retrogradely transported [3H]WGA.
In this study, we have demonstrated the co-localization of a retrograde tracer and the reaction product of an oxidative enzyme within the same neurons in the same spinal cord section, using [3H] wheat germ agglutinin and cytochrome oxidase histochemistry. This approach allows unequivocal identification of the alpha-motoneurons innervating specific muscles. We have determined that there is a positive correlation between the distribution of cytochrome oxidase reactivity in alpha-motoneurons and the muscles that they innervate. The degree of cytochrome oxidase reactivity within the labeled alpha-motoneurons appears to be independent of spinal cord level and cell size.
D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography; D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV / Q000378:metabolism*; D006614:Hindlimb; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D037102:Lectins; D008297:Male; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D009132:Muscles / Q000294:innervation*; D009928:Organ Specificity; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000166:cytology*; D014909:Wheat Germ Agglutinins
D037102:Lectins; D014909:Wheat Germ Agglutinins; D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV