Histology and cytochemistry of human skin. XXIII. The distribution of cytochrome oxidase.

Abstract

1. Cytochrome oxidase activity is clearly demonstrated in the skin with the new method of Burstone. 2. In the epidermis, there is moderate enzyme activity throughout the malpighian layer. In hair follicles, regardless of their states of activity, the pilary canal is strongly reactive, but the lower parts are not. The sebaceous glands and the entire length of the eccrine sweat glands are intensely reactive. In contrast, apocrine glands show reactivity in the secretory cells but not in the duct. The corpuscles of Meissner and the myelinated nerves that emerge from them are moderately reactive. 3. The distribution of cytochrome oxidase in the skin suggests that the enzyme is associated with the mitochondria.