Chemo-architectonic studies in a submammalian brain. Adenosine triphosphatase and simple esterase in the diencephalon...

The present report deals with the histo-enzymological mapping of adenosine triphosphatase and simple esterase in the diencephalon and mesencephalon of Uromastix hardwickii. The enzymatic make-up, in both cases, does not differ markedly in the various nuclei; few variations, of course, occur in some midbrain areas like pretectal nuclei. The latter are intensely positive for ATPase, while these nuclei are moderate to simple esterase. Nevertheless, one of the most interesting results pertaining to simple esterase activity is of a high order in the fiber tracts in comparison to ATPase. The other interesting feature relates to the fact that generally intensely positive nuclei, in ATPase preparations, are those which have extensive efferent fibres. The metabolic significance of high degree of ATPase activity vis-a-vis extensive efferent connections has been exhaustively discussed, besides the possible significance of the general data obtained.