J Korean Geriatr Soc.  2004 Sep;8(3):170-176.

Choline Acetyltrans ferase Immunoreactivity in the Rat Brainstem

• Kim ES
• Han DH

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cholinergic neurons in the forebrain of mamals are well elucidated, meanwhile, the distribution of these neurons in the brainstem is not conformed according to investigators. To identify cholinergic neurons in the brainstem of CD rat, the authors performed immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibody to choline acetyltransferase(ChAT), the enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of acetylcholine.
METHODS
In order to decrease nonspecific reactions of the secondary antibody, an anti-rat IgG without biotin was pretreated before the primary antibody treatment. Blockage of the protein transport was tried to decrease the secretion of ChAT from neurons with colchicine injection into the lateral ventricle of the rat 36, to 48 hours before cardiac perfusion of fixative agent.
RESULTS
Choline acetyltransferase immunoreactive neurons were identified in all motor nuclei of cranial nerves with some other nuclei and nerve fibers in rat brainstem. They were all multipolar cells mostly composed of magnocellular neurons, however parvocellular ones were also observed with colchicine pretreatment.
CONCLUSION
Distribution of the ChAT-immunoreactive nuclei in the brainstem of the CD rats were found in the area where motor functions are closely involved. This means that acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter of these area composing brainstem motor center.

Keyword

Immunohistochemistry; Choline acetyltransferase; Colchicine

MeSH Terms

Acetylcholine
Animals
Biotin
Brain Stem*
Choline O-Acetyltransferase
Choline*
Cholinergic Neurons
Colchicine
Cranial Nerves
Humans
Immunoglobulin G
Immunohistochemistry
Lateral Ventricles
Nerve Fibers
Neurons
Neurotransmitter Agents
Perfusion
Prosencephalon
Protein Transport
Rats*
Research Personnel
Acetylcholine
Biotin
Choline
Choline O-Acetyltransferase
Colchicine
Immunoglobulin G
Neurotransmitter Agents