The histochemistry of neurokeratin in normal and degenerating sciatic nerve

Abstract

Normal and degenerating sciatic nerves of the cat and rat were studied with histochemical methods and with particular reference to enzymes that could be localized in the neurokeratin network. Acid phosphatase, 5-nucleotidase, and ATPase were demonstrated in the neurokeratin of normal nerves and in the Schwann cells of degenerated nerves. Alkaline phosphatase was localized in the neurokeratin of normal nerves but not in the Schwann cells of degenerated nerves. Sulfatase and lipase could not be demonstrated in either situation. The implications of these findings are discussed.