title: In situ localization of enzymes and mucin in normal rat colon embedded in plastic.
abstract: Several enzymes were investigated histochemically in the colons of normal male F344 rats in order to understand the function of different types of cells in this tissue. Serial methacrylate-embedded sections (2-4 microns) allowed the precise localizations of several enzymes including acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (hexosaminidase), alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase and 5'-nucleotidase. Sites reactive with periodic acid-Schiff were also localized. Gradients of enzyme activity were observed between caecum and rectum and/or from the luminal surfaces to the bases of the crypts for hexosaminidase, esterase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. To our knowledge this is the first histochemical demonstration of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in normal rat colonic epithelial cells. The utilization of the methacrylate-embedding technique has revealed previously undescribed gradients of enzyme activity and has allowed the localization of enzyme activities not previously reported in normal rat colonic mucosa.
authors: Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.
authors: B J
authors: BJ
authors: Barrow
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Ortiz-Reyes
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: O'Riordan
authors: T P
authors: TP
authors: Pretlow
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003106:Colon / Q000032:analysis* / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008689:Methacrylates; D009077:Mucins / Q000032:analysis*; D010504:Periodic Acid; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds
chemical_list: D008689:Methacrylates; D009077:Mucins; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D010504:Periodic Acid; C005732:thioacetic acid