Localization of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the rat peripheral nervous system--existence of MAO-containing unmyelinated axons.

Using a new coupled peroxidation method modified by adding nickel ammonium sulfate, we demonstrated the localization of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the rat peripheral nervous system. MAO was localized in the endothelial cells of endoneurial vessels, in Schwann cell cytoplasm encircling myelinated axons, and in some unmyelinated axons. The morphometric ratio of these MAO-containing axons to the total unmyelinated axons was 10-13%. These MAO-containing unmyelinated axons were assumed to coincide with postganglionic sympathetic noradrenergic ones passing in the sciatic nerve. Histochemical MAO staining may be utilized to identify the postganglionic sympathetic nerves in normal and pathological conditions at the electron microscopic level in particular.