Histoenzymological mapping of alkaline phosphatase and 5-nucleotidase in the medulla oblongata of a microchiropteran bat (Taphozous melanopogon Temminck).

The contribution deals with the distribution of alkaline phosphatase and 5-nucleotidase in the medulla oblongata of Taphozous melanopogon (a Microchiroptera), for the first time. The main highlights of the study are: (1) Cranial nerve nuclei demonstrate intense activity of alkaline phosphatase, whereas except nucleus tractus spinalis n. trigemini, rest of the nuclei show much variations of 5-nucleotidase distribution. (2) The vestibular nuclei are very intensely positive for 5-nucleotidase but exhibit variable activity of alkaline phosphatase. (3) Three subdivisions of nucleus olivaris inferior, i.e. nucleus olivaris accessorius medialis, nucleus olivaris accessorius dorsalis and nucleus olivaris inferior, which were not reported in the earlier neuroanatomical studies, have been identified. These nuclei show very intense alkaline phosphatase and relatively less intense 5-nucleotidase activities. (4) In general, the activity of alkaline phosphatase is stronger in neurons than in neuropil and that of 5-nucleotidase is stronger in neuropil than in neurons. (5) Blood capillaries are completely negative for alkaline phosphatase and intensely positive for 5-nucleotidase. A comparison is made between the distribution of these enzymes in the medulla oblongata of bat and other mammals so far studied.