Biomaterial Database

Histochemical and cytochemical localization of acetylcholinesterase in retina and optic tectum of teleost fish. 1979

B D Drujan, and J M Díaz Borges, and M Brzin

The activity of cholinesterase and its cellular and subcellular localization were investigated in the retina and optic tectum of Eugerres plumieri and in the retina of Carassius carassius by means of radiometric, histochemical, and cytochemical procedures. In both fishes only the presence of acetylcholinesterase could be demonstrated. This study, besides confirming previous findings that acetylcholinesterase is located in the ganglion and amacrine cells of the retina as well as in the inner plexiform layer, in addition provides evidence that the enzyme is also present at the region of photoreceptor synapses between the cell bodies and apposing extensions of the horizontal cells of the same layer. The latter localization may indicate the involvement of a cholinergic mechanism at the functional contacts (transferapses) between the horizontal cells. In the optic tectum of Eugerres plumieri, histochemistry reveals fine distinguishable bands of acetylcholinesterase activity; two of the bands are quite sharply defined, whereas three others have rather a more diffuse appearance. The presence of these bands and their distribution may suggest a widespread distribution of cholinergic elements in the optic tectum.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D012160	Retina	The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the OPTIC NERVE and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the CHOROID and the inner surface with the VITREOUS BODY. The outer-most layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent.	Ora Serrata
D005399	Fishes	A group of cold-blooded, aquatic vertebrates having gills, fins, a cartilaginous or bony endoskeleton, and elongated bodies covered with scales.
D006651	Histocytochemistry	Study of intracellular distribution of chemicals, reaction sites, enzymes, etc., by means of staining reactions, radioactive isotope uptake, selective metal distribution in electron microscopy, or other methods.	Cytochemistry
D000110	Acetylcholinesterase	An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of ACETYLCHOLINE to CHOLINE and acetate. In the CNS, this enzyme plays a role in the function of peripheral neuromuscular junctions. EC 3.1.1.7.	Acetylcholine Hydrolase,Acetylthiocholinesterase,Hydrolase, Acetylcholine
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D013477	Superior Colliculi	The anterior pair of the quadrigeminal bodies which coordinate the general behavioral orienting responses to visual stimuli, such as whole-body turning, and reaching.	Colliculus, Superior,Optic Lobe, Human,Optic Lobe, Mammalian,Optic Tectum,Anterior Colliculus,Superior Colliculus,Tectum, Optic,Colliculi, Superior,Colliculus, Anterior,Human Optic Lobe,Human Optic Lobes,Mammalian Optic Lobe,Mammalian Optic Lobes,Optic Lobes, Human,Optic Lobes, Mammalian,Optic Tectums,Tectums, Optic