Alkaline Phosphatase distribution in the inferior vagal ganglion of the cat following vagotomy: a chronological study.

The object of this study was to demonstrate sites of alkaline phosphatase activity within the cellular elements of the inferior vagal (nodosal) ganglion of the cat and chronologically observe and describe alterations in enzyme activity following vagotomy. In control tissues alkaline phosphatase activity was localized to the wall of perineuronal blood vessels and the satellite cell cytoplasm which envelops the neuronal perikarya. In the experimental tissues alkaline phosphatase activity was increased in the above locations during the first 20 days following vagotomy then gradually declined to approximate control levels by 60 days post-operatively. The functional significance of changes in alkaline phosphatase activity occurring within an altered metabolic environment induced by vagotomy is discussed.