Localization of acetylcholinesterase in granule-containing cells of glomus-like bodies in pre- and postnatal rabbits by electron microscopy

The distribution of acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) was studied in the granule-containing cells which constitute the glomus-like bodies found near the origin of the great vessels in pre- and postnatal rabbits. Karnovsky's method for localization of ACHE at the electron-microscope level was used and suitable controls were carried out. In the granule-containing cells, ACHE reaction product was evident in the perinuclear cisternae and cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum as well as at the cell membrane. ACHE activity was also localized at the axolemma of unmyelinated axons found near the granule-containing cells and around afferent synaptic terminals to these cells. Possible functions of ACHE associated with the monoamine-storing granule-containing cells are presented.