Cytochemical localization of ouabain-sensitive, K+-dependent p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity in the choroid plexus of normal and reserpinized guinea pigs.

High doses of reserpine induce depletion of biogenic amines. The K-NPPase activity of choroid plexus was determined after one-shot reserpine administration using cerium-based cytochemistry. In normal untreated animals, reaction product was found on the microvilli of the choroidal epithelium but was almost undetectable 3 and 7 days after reserpinization. At 20 days after reserpinization, however, it was detectable. These findings suggested that reserpine decreased the choroidal Na,K-ATPase activity, and that catecholamines might be essential to maintain normal choroidal Na,K-ATPase activity. (J Histochem Cytochem 46: 975-976, 1998)