The topographical localization of acetylcholinesterase in the adult rat cerebellum: A reappraisal

Summary The adult rat cerebellum has been investigated histochemically for acetylcholinesterase activity by the direct-coloring thiocholine technique. Results obtained are as follows:Staining indicative of sites of acetylcholinesterase (AChe) activity are predominantly delimited to the granular layer of the cerebellar cortex. The white matter directly adjacent to the granular layer of any lobule exhibit stronger activity than the medullary core. Often the molecular layer stain, diffusely and weakly.A great proportion of the enzyme staining is attributed to afferent mossy terminals. Golgi cells are also considered to possess intracellular AChe.Topographically, the vermian lobules of the cerebellum stain stronger relative to the hemispherical lobules except for the flocculus and paraflocculus. Mediolateral gradation of activity if present is not convincing. In the vermis, the lingula stains moderately. A distinctive feature of the present study is the enzyme activity in sub-lobuli VIb and VIc of the declive and the anterior portion of lobule VII. These areas stain densely and strongly. The nodule and lower part of the uvula exhibit dense and intense staining for AChe. All other lobules of the cerebellum stain weakly, more so those of the anterior lobe (besides the lingula).A rich core of AChe staining fibres radiate from the white matter adjacent to lobule X to reach lobules I, II, III, IV and V. A similarly intense core of AChe is found subjacent to the granular layer of lobules VI and VII.The three pairs of cerebellar peduncles stain differentially. Staining in the intracerebellar nuclei are however uniformly weak.The present findings are discussed as they relate to previous studies and in the light of current thoughts in cerebellar anatomy and function. Attention is drawn particularly to the functional implication of the dense and strong enzyme activity herein reported for the declive-tuber vermis complex of the cerebellum as these areas are believed to be sites of termination of cerebellar teleceptive inputs.