[Histochemical investigations on the localization of acetylcholinesterase in the kidney of selected vertebrates].

The light and electron microscopical localization of AChE activity in the kidney of selected vertebrates was studied using the method of Karnovsky and Roots (1964) for light microscopy and the modification of the Koelle and Friedenwald's technique according to Tsuji (1974, 1984) for electron microscopy. AChE activity could be demonstrated light microscopically mainly within the glomeruli of some mammals (golden hamster, mouse, rat) and non-mammalian vertebrates (carp, frog). No activity was found in the glomeruli of guinea pig, of chicken and tortoise. In the mammalians, the strongest AChE activity could be demonstrated in the guinea pig, the lowest in the rat. A strong AChE enzyme activity was also detected within the interlobular arteries and the cells of Bowman's capsule. With the electron microscopical method AChE activity was demonstrated in mesangial cells and endothelial cells of the glomeruli (golden hamster and carp) and in the cells of Bowman's capsule (carp). Reaction product was localized within the cisterns of endoplasmic reticulum and the perinuclear space (nuclear envelope). A high amount of electron opaque material could be observed in the cells of Bowman's capsule and their lamina basalis. The functional significance of the localization of AChE activity in the glomeruli will be discussed.