Topography of the nuclei and distribution of Acetylcholinesterase activity in the septum of the telencephalon in man

TL;DR

This study maps acetylcholinesterase activity in the human septum, revealing specific nuclei with high or low activity and comparing these patterns to animal models, highlighting similarities and differences.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed topographical map of AChE activity in the human septum and compares it with animal data, identifying notable differences.

Findings

Highest AChE activity in nucleus of the diagonal band and nucleus accumbens

Absence of certain nuclei found in animals, like anterior medial nucleus

Division of septal AChE activity into anterior and posterior systems

Abstract

Distribution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the septum of the telencephalon in man was studied in 15 human brains using the acetylthiocholine method. Highest activity of AChE was found in the nucleus of the diagonal band and nucleus accumbens, and lowest in the Lateral nucleus. Comparison of histochemical results with cellular structure and wi.th the course of fibers showed absence in man of some of the nuclei described in animals such as the anterior medial nucleus, triangular nucleus, and marked reduction of the septo-hippocampal nucleus and fimbriate nucleus. Areas of the septum showing AChE activity were divided into an anterior and posterior system. The applicability to man of some neurophysiologic findings in animals is discussed.