Histochemical Studies of Several Enzymes in the Developing Bone

Abstract

We obtained the results as follows :1) High alkaline phosphatase activity in the epiphyseal bone was localized in the cells and matrices of both proliferating and hypertrophic cartilage cell layers, and also in the transitional part of periostium to perichondrium. And moderate activity was seen in the surface of primary bone trabeculae.2) Intense acid phosphatase activity was confined to bone trabeculae, and only slight activity was found in the cells and matrices of both proliferating and hypertrophic cartilage cell layers.3) Glycosidase activities were found intensely throughout all portion of the epiphysis, such as in the bone trabeculae, periostium, perichondrium and cartilage cells.4) Succinic dehydrogenase activity was observable in the bone trabeculae of primary spongiosa, perichondrium and perichondrocyte adjacent to perichondrium, and also in the proliferating cartilage cells.From these results, it could be reasonable as follows. Alkaline phosphatase has been considered to connect something with formation of hard tissues, however, this enzyme seems to have relation to maturation and differentiation of cells, and matrix formation in the hard tissue. And acid phosphatase relates to mineralization itself. Glycosidase have some relation to cartilage cells, especially their differentiation and calcification. Succinic dehydrogenase are confined in rich areas of mitochondria, that is high metabolic portion.