Chronological changes in acid phosphatase activity within neurons and perineuronal satellite cells of the inferior vagal ganglion of the cat induced by vagotomy.

The hexazonium pararosaniline method was employed to describe the distribution of acid phosphatase activity, chronologically, within neurons and their investing satellite cells of the inferior vagal ganglion of the cat after vagotomy. In control ganglia, acid phosphatase activity was invariably confined to the cytoplasm of neurons and satellite cells. Reaction product was visible as distinct granules within neuronal perikarya. The cytoplasm of perineuronal satellite cells also contained reaction product but, in most instances, activity was weak and granules were difficult to distinguish. No reaction product was observed in myelin or axonal processes; nuclear staining was absent. Acid phosphatase activity was increased in ganglionic neurons as early as 24 hours after vagotomy. Increased activity in perineuronal satellite cells was not evident until 3 days post-operatively. By 15 days, activity was ubiquitously increased in the cytoplasm of both neurons and satellite cells. Evidence suggesting neuronophagia was also apparent. Between 30 and 60 days post-operatively acid phosphatase activity gradually decreased in both neurons and satellite cells until a picture comparable with that seen in control tissue sections was visible. The functional significance of these changes in acid phosphatase activity within an altered metabolic environment induced by vagotomy is discussed.