The electron microscopic localization of the acetylcholinesterase (ACh
E) activity in the mouse heart was studied by the method of Tago et al
. (1986). The results showed deposition of reaction product only in ne
rve elements: some neurons of the intrinsic atrial ganglia and atrial
and ventricular nerve fibers. The AChE activity was particularly local
ized in the synaptic clefts. In contrast with previous reports describ
ing the existence of ''internal'' ChE, no activity was detected within
myocardial cells.