Histoenzmological mapping of ATPase and 5-nucleotidase in the spinal cord and medulla oblongata of hedgehog (Paraechinus micropus).

The contribution presented deals with the distribution of adenosine triphosphatase (ATP-A) and 5-nucleotidase (AMP-A) in the spinal cord and medulla oblongata of hedgehog. The highlights of this study are: (1) AMP-A activity is stronger in neuropil than in neurons, in all the areas of spinal cord and medulla oblongata. In the nerve cells the enzyme is localized at the peripheries of the neurons, whereas the cytoplasm and nuclei are completely free from enzymatic activity. Reaction in blood vessels is quite high both in gray and white matter. (2) ATP-A activity is seen mainly at the peripheries of the neurons. The neuropil activity varies from mild to intense. Reaction in blood vessels is quite strong in all the areas. (3) Fibrous bundles and tracts are negative for both the enzymes. (4) In general, the activity of ATP-A and AMP-A is strongest in cranial nerve nuclei, irrespective of their sensory or motor nature. The distribution of these enzymes has been correlated with the functions of various nuclei of spinal cord and medulla oblongata in hedgehog, and compared with other mammals.