[Cholinesterase activity in the Pacinian corpuscles in denervation and the application of colchicine to the nerve]

Abstract

In the Pacinian corpuscles, cholinesterase activity was predominantly revealed along the plasma membrane and in the cytoplasm of the inner core cells. A faint quantity of histochemical end product was detected in the axis cylinder. An increased cholinesterase activity was found after the nerve transection. This change coincides in time with phagocytosis of degenerated axis cylinder by the inner core cells. A decrease in cholinesterase activity was observed in the Pacinian corpuscles after colchicine application to the nerve. This effect may be due to either the blockade of axoplasmic transport of cholinesterase in afferent nerve or/and to the elimination of the trophic influence exerted by the nerve on the cholinesterase activity in the inner care cells.