Summary
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the hippocampal region was studied histochemically in different postnatal stages. Enzyme changes are described for the hippocampus proper, the dentate area, the entorhinal area, parasubiculum, area retrosplenialis e, presubiculum, and subiculum.
In 1 day old animals there are only traces of AChE in solitary perikarya of the hippocampal stratum radiatum, while there is no activity in the neuropil. This is in contrast to other regions of the brain, e.g. the corpus striatum and the medial septum.
Enzyme activity in the neuropil, although very weak, is seen clearly on the 2nd day. While the enzyme reaction in some cell soma seems to be permanent and also present in adult rats, other cell bodies, e.g. in the entorhinal area lose AChE activity during the last part of the 2nd week and in the 3rd week. Similar observations have been made on other parts of the central nervous system.
The main features of chemodifferentiation in the hippocampal region seem to be completed by the end of the third week, although most layers and areas have not yet achieved the same high staining intensity as seen in the adult rats.
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Valuable advice and suggestions on the manuscript by Professor T. W. Blackstad and Dr. M. Shipley, Århus, Denmark are greatfully acknowledged. The author is indebted to Miss L. Skarstein, Miss V. Neeson, Mr. R. Jensen and Mr. R. Haakonsen for technical assistance.
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Mellgren, S.I. Distribution of acetylcholinesterase in the hippocampal region of the rat during postnatal development. Z.Zellforsch 141, 375–400 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307412
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307412