Neurones localized with antibodies against choline acetyltransferase in the enteric nervous system.

This is the first report of the histochemical localization of peripheral neurones with antibodies raised against choline acetyltransferase. The antiserum was raised in a rat against the enzyme purified from porcine brain. An indirect immunohistochemical technique was used to localize nerve cell bodies and nerve fibres in the stomach, small intestine and colon of the guinea-pig and the mouse small intestine. Reactive nerve cell bodies were found in both the myenteric and submucous ganglia. Varicose nerve fibres were in the ganglia, in the circular smooth muscle and in the mucosa of the small intestine.