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Cholinesterase in Melanocytes of the Bat

Nature volume 214, pages 846–847 (1967)Cite this article

Abstract

CHOLINESTERASES have been extensively investigated in the skin of man and different mammals1–5, and with a few exceptions these enzymes have been demonstrated almost exclusively in nerve structures. Comparative investigations have shown that some species differences exist in the response of autonomic and somatic nerve fibres and in sensory end-organs2 produced by enzymes. In contrast to the striking non-specific cholinesterase reactions of certain naevi and other pigmented tumours6–11, neither specific nor non-specific cholinesterase activities have so far been found in epidermal melanocytes. In the present communication therefore we want to report our observations of specific cholinesterase in the melanocyte–Langerhans cell system of the bat.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Rochester

    ANDRE BOURLOND & KLAUS WOLFF

  2. Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota

    R. K. WINKELMANN

Authors
  1. ANDRE BOURLOND
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  2. KLAUS WOLFF
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  3. R. K. WINKELMANN
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BOURLOND, A., WOLFF, K. & WINKELMANN, R. Cholinesterase in Melanocytes of the Bat. Nature 214, 846–847 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1038/214846a0

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