Acetylcholinesterase and pseudocholinesterases in the adrenal chromaffin tissue of Lacerta sicula

• Published in: General and comparative endocrinology Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 415 - 420
• Main Authors: Gallo, Valentina Patrizia, Mastrolia, Lucia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.1979
• Subjects: Acetylcholinesterase - analysis; Adrenal Glands - enzymology; Adrenal Glands - ultrastructure; Animals; Butyrylcholinesterase - analysis; Cholinesterases - analysis; Chromaffin Granules - enzymology; Chromaffin Granules - ultrastructure; Chromaffin System - enzymology; Histocytochemistry; Lizards
• ISSN: 0016-6480; 1095-6840
• DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(79)90020-0

An investigation was carried out using the electron microscope on the chromaffin cells and their innervation in the adrenal gland of Lacerta sicula. Three types of adrenal chromaffin cells were observed: cells containing moderately osmiophilic granules, of diameter approx 2000 Å; cells with highly electron dense granules, average diameter 2660 Å; and finally, cells with small electron dense granules, of average diameter 900 Å. The innervation of these three types of cells appears to be cholinergic. The histochemical technique for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and for pseudocholinesterases (PsChE) confirmed the cholinergic nature of the nerve endings. Furthermore, AChE was demonstrated in all three types of adrenal cells but with greater constancy and in greater quantity in the small granules cells. The reaction for PsChE was negative.