Cytochrome oxidase activity in the auditory system of the mouse: A qualitative and quantitative histochemical study

摘要: Detailed qualitative and quantitative determinations of cytochrome oxidase activity in the central auditory system BALB/cJ mice were obtained at light microscopic level. Cytochrome was determined using densitometry calibrated with standards spectrophotometrically assayed enzymatic activity. This done together a cobalt-intensified histochemical procedure fresh-frozen brains without perfusion-fixation. The resulting method showed improved sensitivity allowed quantification labeling as actual enzyme units. Adjacent sections processed for either Nissl, fiber or Golgi stains to correlate tissue morphology. more peripheral nuclei primarily somatic specific cell types showing predominant reactivity. However, higher structures, including inferior colliculus, medial geniculate cortex, predominantly neuropil Comparison mean activities 27 regions quantified revealed trend decreasing from brainstem forebrain lemniscal structures. extra-lemniscal each level lower than corresponding regions. values around 10 times density white matter, indicating high method. darkly structures clearly delineated surrounding neural regions, supporting concept that basal levels oxidative metabolic capacity are larger system. It concluded approach histochemistry may be applied successfully mouse brain. normative data presented used starting point other investigations effects experimental manipulations on