On the distribution and role of acid phosphatase in the sub-pharyngeal ganglia of Indian cattle leech, poecilobdella granulosa

Abstract

Histoenzymatic studies on the sub-pharyngeal ganglia have shown two types of neurons, enclosed in a packet-glial-cell. One of these kinds of cells is larger than the other and vesiculated, while the other is non-vesiculated. Interestingly, all the neurons have reacted very violently for acid phosphatase. The reaction is predominently cytoplasmic, masking the cellular organelles in most of the cells. Smaller cells are more in number and of two kinds. The neuronal processes (axons) have manifested mild enzymatic activity. The neuropile shows predominently granular reaction, each dot probably representing a synaptic site. Intersegmental tracts have provided intense enzymatic activity. Possible physiological significance has been discussed.