DISTRIBUTION OF ESTERASES IN THE MYONEURAL JUNCTION OF THE STRIATED MUSCLE OF THE RAT

Abstract

Distribution of esterases in the myoneural junction of the striated muscle of the rat was studied using acetylthiocholine, butyrylthiochobine and α-naphthyl acetate as substrates, together with selective inhibitors. Acetylcholinesterase activity was observed in the peripheral complex of synaptic folds. Nonspecific cholinesterase was detected in the peripheral complex of synaptic folds and the teloglia with approximately equal activities. Nonspecific esterase activity, present in tissues incubated with eserine, was marked in the terminal axon and was also present in the teloglia and synaptic folds.