Cytochemical localization of 5'-nucleotidase in guinea-pig sympathetic ganglia.

Cytochemical techniques were used to study the localization of 5'-nucleotidase in sympathetic ganglia of the guinea-pig. Enzymatic activity was revealed in 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 and this was interpreted to indicate a high level of purine utilization by these cells. The neurons displayed enzymatic activity in the membranes of non-specialized neuronal boundaries as well as at synapses.