Choline Acetyltrans ferase Immunoreactivity in the Rat Brainstem.
- Author:
Eun Sang KIM
1
;
Dae Hee HAN
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center , Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. kes@smc.samsung.co.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Immunohistochemistry;
Choline acetyltransferase;
Colchicine
- MeSH:
Acetylcholine;
Animals;
Biotin;
Brain Stem*;
Choline O-Acetyltransferase;
Choline*;
Cholinergic Neurons;
Colchicine;
Cranial Nerves;
Humans;
Immunoglobulin G;
Immunohistochemistry;
Lateral Ventricles;
Nerve Fibers;
Neurons;
Neurotransmitter Agents;
Perfusion;
Prosencephalon;
Protein Transport;
Rats*;
Research Personnel
- From:Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society
2004;8(3):170-176
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Cholinergic neurons in the forebrain of mamals are well elucidated, meanwhile, the distribution of these neurons in the brainstem is not conformed according to investigators. To identify cholinergic neurons in the brainstem of CD rat, the authors performed immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibody to choline acetyltransferase(ChAT), the enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of acetylcholine. METHODS: In order to decrease nonspecific reactions of the secondary antibody, an anti-rat IgG without biotin was pretreated before the primary antibody treatment. Blockage of the protein transport was tried to decrease the secretion of ChAT from neurons with colchicine injection into the lateral ventricle of the rat 36, to 48 hours before cardiac perfusion of fixative agent. RESULTS: Choline acetyltransferase immunoreactive neurons were identified in all motor nuclei of cranial nerves with some other nuclei and nerve fibers in rat brainstem. They were all multipolar cells mostly composed of magnocellular neurons, however parvocellular ones were also observed with colchicine pretreatment. CONCLUSION: Distribution of the ChAT-immunoreactive nuclei in the brainstem of the CD rats were found in the area where motor functions are closely involved. This means that acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter of these area composing brainstem motor center.
