DIVERSITY OF RELATIVE INTENSITIES OF ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE STAINING WITHIN THE LAMINAE OF THE VISUAL-CORTEX OF 4 MAMMALS

The histological staining patterns of acetylcholinesterase fibers in t he visual cortex of the hamster, bank vole, yellow necked wood mouse, and rabbit are described. Between the species there are variations in staining intensities of the laminae in the visual cortex. In the hamst er and bank vole layers IV, V, and VI are intensely stained. The yello w necked wood mouse demonstrates little difference in staining intensi ty between the layers of the visual cortex. The rabbit evidences a den se precipitate in the lower portion of layer IV and also in layer V. S taining intensity patterns suggest that the cholinergic afferents to t he visual cortex may develop preferential innervation to laminae which receive low sensory stimulation during the formative period.