Location of L-iditol: NAD oxidoreductase (D-sorbital tetrazolium reductase or ketose-reductase) in the genital tract of the bull.

Abstract

SUMMARY The histochemical technique for the demonstration of the d-sorbitol dehydrogenase activity gave intensely positive results in the epithelium of the seminal vesicles and the glands of the ampulla of the ductus deferens of the bull. The enzymic activity was lower in the prostatic epithelium of the ductus deferens and the epididymis. The reaction was negative in the epithelium of the bulbo-urethral glands of Cowper. The enzymic activity detected is connected with the synthesis of fructose, but in organs with a low concentration of fructose, such as the prostate gland and the ductus epididymidis the presence of the enzyme may be connected with the synthesis of sorbitol, also present in the semen. In the seminal vesicles d-sorbitol dehydrogenase activity was found in the epithelium of the glandular tubules and in the material contained in those tubules. Using this technique, we have observed in the epithelium different types of cells which may correspond to different stages of a secretory cycle. The cells with greater deposits of diformazan appear to be related to the secretion of a product with enzymic activity.