Cholinergic Neuronal Markers

Overview

Cholinergic neurons are found in both the peripheral (PNS) and central (CNS) nervous systems, and utilize the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In the PNS, motor neurons, preganglionic and postganglionic parasympathetic neurons, and preganglionic sympathetic neurons are cholinergic. In the CNS, cholinergic neurons are found in the ventral horn of the spinal cord, and various parts of the brain including the basal forebrain, striatum, mesopontine tegmentum, and medial habenular nucleus. Cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain are important for cognition and memory, and degeneration of these neurons are thought to be linked to the memory deficits associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Data Examples

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Acetylcholinesterase in Human Brain. Acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) was detected in immersion-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of human brain using a Mouse Anti-Human Acetylcholinesterase/ACHE Monoclonal Antibody (R&D Systems, Catalog # MAB7574). The tissue was stained using the Anti-Mouse HRP-DAB Cell & Tissue Staining Kit (R&D Systems, Catalog # CTS002; brown) and counterstained with hematoxylin (blue). Specific staining was localized to neurons.

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Choline Acetyltransferase in Human Brain. Choline Acetyltransferase (ChAT) was detected in immersion-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of human brain using a Goat Anti-Human Choline Acetyltransferase/ChAT Antigen Affinity-Purified Polyclonal Antibody (R&D Systems, Catalog # AF3447). The tissue was stained with the Anti-Goat HRP-DAB Cell & Tissue Staining Kit
(R&D Systems, Catalog # CTS008; brown) and counterstained with hematoxylin (blue). Specific staining was localized to neurons.