5'-Nucleotidase of microglial cells in the facial nucleus during axonal reaction.

Transection of the facial nerve causes proliferation of microglial cells in the facial nucleus. The miroglial cells can be seen in perineuronal and perivascular positions. A high activity of 5'-nucleotidase is demonstrated cytochemically in the plasma membranes of these cells. The increase of enzymatic sites for the production of adenosine during axonal reaction might be of functional significance for the regenerating motor neuron.