Monoamine oxidase histochemistry of enteric neurones in the guinea-pig

Summary The localisation of monoamine oxidase (MAO) was examined in lamina preparations of the myenteric plexus of guinea-pig stomach, small intestine and proximal colon and in the submucous plexus of the small intestine. MAO is associated with most neurones in these parts of the enteric plexuses. In the myenteric plexus of the small intestine, cells corresponding to Dogiel's type II were prominent whereas type I cells appeared less reactive for MAO. However, both type I and type II cells of the proximal colon were heavily stained. In the stomach and in the submucous plexus of the small intestine, most positive cells were type II. There were many small positively stained cells throughout the myenteric plexus. Interstitial cells were lightly stained. The intensity of stain in many enteric neurones was similar to that of cells of the sympathetic ganglia.This work was supported by grants from the Australian Research Grants Council Commitee and the National Health and Medical Research Council. We thank Prof. G. Burnstock for his continued support.