Histochemical study on 5'-nucleotidase in the cerebrovascular system in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

5'-Nucleotidase activity in the cerebrovascular system in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats was histochemically investigated. In the hypertensive rats, an enhancement of 5'-nucleotidase activity was observed already in the early stage of hypertension and the enzyme activity increased with advancing age. The enzyme activity appeared earlier and stronger in the larger arteries in the basal portion than the pial arteries in the convexity of the brain and arterioles in the brain parenchyma. The activity in the arterial walls proved to be particularly strong in the thickened parts showing cellular hyperplasia, mainly at the branching portions. The reaction products localized along the plasma membrane, and also in the cytoplasma in some parts where the activity was strong. Relationship between the increased 5'-nucleotidase activity and aging of the cells composing the cerebrovasculature resulted from an accelerated or repeated cell proliferation was discussed.