Histochemical localization of acetylcholinesterase in the cerebellum and optic tectum of four freshwater teleosts.

A histochemical study has been carried out on the localization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the cerebellum and optic tectum of four species of freshwater teleosts. AChE distribution in the cerebellar cortex of teleosts shows differences among the species examined and, in the trout, also differences between different cerebellar areas. This uneven kind of enzyme distribution corresponds to a similar variety of AChE patterns noticed in other vertebrates, especially mammals. AChE distribution in the optic tectum shows a prevalent pattern characterized by precise laminar distribution of enzymatic activity which is alternatively strong, weak or absent in the different tectal layers. The results suggest that most of sensitive imput and many systems of stimuli propagation may be mediated by cholinergic mechanisms in the optic tectum of telecosts.