Fine structural localization of non-specific cholinesterase activity in rat tendon organs

Electron microscopical localization of non-specific cholinesterase (nChE) activity was studied in tendon organs of the rat hindlimb muscles. The comparison between neurotendinous part (with high nChE activity) and purely collagenous compartment(s) (with very low nChE activity) demonstrated that Schwann cells are the fundamental source of this enzyme in rat tendon organs. Although particles of the nChE reaction product were also found in and around fibroblasts in both neurotendinous and purely collagenous compartments, their contribution to the overall nChE was not significant. nChE activity in rat tendon organs displayed heterogeneity along the Ib sensory axon; the highest activity was related to the Schwann cell investment of the unmyelinated part of Ib axon, lower activity to sensory terminals covered only by basement membrane and negligible activity to the myelinated part of sensory axons. Particles of the non-specific cholinesterase reaction product persisted in the basement membrane of Schwann cells 20 d after degeneration of Ib sensory axons and their terminals. The function of non-specific cholinesterase in sensory receptors is still not clear. It is suggested that this enzyme may be involved in the maintenance of the ionic milieu around sensory axon terminals during or after functional activity.