A HISTOCHEMICAL-STUDY OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE-POSITIVE NERVES IN THE GOAT PANCREAS

The distribution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-positive nerve fibers in the goat pancreas was investigated with histochemical methods at th e light- and electron-microscopical level. Intrapancreatic ganglia sho wing AChE activity were found in the interlobular connective tissue or between acini. AChE-positive nerve fibers were distributed in whole g lands and formed perivascular and periinsular plexus. Terminals were i dentified in both the exocrine and the endocrine tissue. These observa tions make clear that the cholinergic system is involved in the regula tion of both the exocrine and endocrine pancreas in the goat.