Autonomic innervation of interstitial cells in the nasal respiratory mucosa.

We analyzed the microscopic innervations of the pars respiratoria of the nasal mucosa in humans, cats, and rabbits. To this end, the techniques of Jabonero, Champy-Maillet, and Koelle-Friedenwald were employed to detect specific acetylcholinesterase activity. The supremum colli ganglion was also removed from cats in order to observe any tissue changes produced. Using our histochemical techniques, we were able to demonstrate for the first time that Cajal's interstitial cells in the nasal mucosa are acetylcholinesterase-positive. These cells also appear to be totally integrated into the structure of the terminal vegetative neural formations. Additionally, the fibers surrounding these cells were found to show early degeneration after experimental cervical sympathectomies had been performed.