Cytochemical localization of ouabain-sensitive, K+-dependent para-nitrophenylphosphatase (transport ATPase) in the guinea pig sympathetic ganglia.

The cytochemical techniques, developed by Ernst in 1972 and Mayahara et al. in 1980 were used to study the localization of K+-pNPPase related Na+/K+-ATPase in the guinea pig sympathetic ganglia. Enzymatic activity was revealed at the cytoplasmic aspect of the plasma membranes. Both the neuronal and satellite cell membranes contained the enzyme. Most of the activity was seen in the membrane of the satellite cells, which was interpreted to indicate a membrane well equipped for conducting active transport of cations. The neuronal membrane also displayed enzymatic activity particularly at specialized areas such as synapses.