INNERVATION IN THE RAT THYMUS——AN INVESTIGATION BY SILVER STAIN AND ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE HISTOCHEMICAL METHOD / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

The innervation in the thymus was observed by silver stain and acetylcho linesterase (AChE) histochemical method. It was shown by silver stain that nerve fibers constituted a complex network in the thymic medulla. In the cortex and medulla there were AChE-containing nerve fibers. which terminated near or encircled the thymocytes. AChE-containing nerve fibers contacted with mast cells. Some mast cells had AChE-containing substance. This study suggests that the cortex and medulla of thymus are innervated by parasympathetic cholinergic nerve fibers, which may regulate the thymocytes and mast cells.