title: The pattern of acetylcholinesterase distribution in the normal and retino-deprived optic tectum of newt.
abstract: A light and electron microscopic histochemical study has been carried out on the localization of acetylcholinesterase in the optic tectum of newt. The ultrastructural analysis reveals that the pyriform neurons in the periventricular area are provided with the metabolic pathways for AChE synthesis. The enzyme, synthetized in the rough reticulum and conveyed in dendritic branches is prevailingly released in two reaction bands in the neuropil of the superficial fibrous zone. The ablation of one eye gives rise to both the degeneration of retinal tracts and terminals and to the disappearance of the most external reaction band. Some modifications in AChE distribution are also evident in the only reaction band therein. The results obtained are interpreted on the basis of some hypotheses about possible cholinergic mechanisms being active in the optic tectum of Urodela.
mesh_terms: D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009410:Nerve Degeneration; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000201:enzymology; D009474:Neurons / Q000201:enzymology; D012160:Retina / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000201:enzymology*; D012455:Salamandridae / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012683:Sensory Deprivation / Q000502:physiology*; D013477:Superior Colliculi / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000201:enzymology*; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000201:enzymology
chemical_list: D000110:Acetylcholinesterase