Enzyme histochemistry of the regressing rat decidua and metrial gland.
In order to understand more about participation of the basal placental zones in processes of regression and degradation as well as separation on the cellular level, the cell metabolism of the rat decidua and metrial gland was investigated enzyme histochemically in cryosections for activities of oxyradical-forming enzymes and hydrolyzing enzymes. Additionally, plastic sections were studied to facilitate the recognition of cell types. Decidual stromal cells and fibroblasts formed the vast majority amongst many cell types in the decidua and metrial gland. High activities of enzymes involved in purine degradation and oxyradical generation were demonstrated in decidual stromal cells and fibroblasts. Microsomal alanyl aminopeptidase and various acid hydrolases were shown to be extremely active in decidual stromal cells. The abundance of these enzyme activities in the decidua and metrial gland in contrast to other placental areas suggests, that these enzymes may have specialized functions in connection with regression and degradation processes finally contributing to placental separation.
Department of Anatomy, Free University of Berlin, FRG.
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IH
Straatsburg
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Gossrau
D000818:Animals; D003656:Decidua / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000201:enzymology; D005609:Free Radicals; D006026:Glycoside Hydrolases / Q000032:analysis*; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000201:enzymology; D008791:Metrial Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / Q000032:analysis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011687:Purines / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000201:enzymology
D005609:Free Radicals; D011687:Purines; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases; D006026:Glycoside Hydrolases; D010450:Endopeptidases