Distribution of Certain Enzymes in the Brain of Pigeon

Abstract

Histochemical methods were used to demonstrate the presence of alkaline and acid phosphatase, phosphamidase, and cholinesterase in the brain of pigeons. It was found that there are marked differences in the enzyme contents of various structures in the brain. In adjacent sections the nucleus ovoidalis, for instance, is entirely lacking in alkaline phosphatase, but is rich in cholinesterase. It appears that there are biochemical differences between anatomically defined systems of the central nervous system.