Enzymatic Patterns in the Reptilian Brain. Histochemical Characterization of the Telencephalon

SUMMARY A histochemical study has been carried out on the localization of five enzymatic activities in the telencephalon of four reptilian species: Natrix natrix L. and Lacerta muralis Laur. (Squamata), Pseudemys scripta (Schoepff) (Chelonia) and Caiman crocodilus (L.) = [C. sclerops (Schneider)]. The results are compared with data on the distribution of the same enzymes in the telencephalon of Birds and Mammals. The basal striatal areas of Reptiles show histoenzymological features which resemble those present in the same regions of Birds and in some basal nuclei of mammalian telencephalon. The dorsal striatal areas exhibit characteristics similar to those of Birds, while no extensive homologies can be seen with regions of mammalian telencephalon. The septal region seems to retain uniform characteristics in enzyme distribution through the tetrapod series. The cortical areas show similar features from Reptiles to Mammals as far as oxidative enzymes are concerned while for other enzyme activities, in partic...