HYDROLYZING ENZYME ACTIVITY IN THE BRAIN AND THE RETROCEREBRAL SYSTEM OF THE AMERICAN COCKROACH (PERIPLANETA AMERICANA (L)) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE NEUROSECRETORY MATERIALS

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Abstract
Some hydrolyzing enzymes have been investigated by histochemical and biochemical methods. Almost all neurons in the brain contain acid phosphatases. About half of the total activity is associated with subcellular particles. Most of the acid-phosphatase activity in the corpora cardiaca (CC) is associated with the neurosecretory materials (NSM). Elementary neurosecretory granules (ENG) have been isolated from the CC by fractionation and subfractionation procedures and subjected to in vitro enzyme activity studies. Electron micrographs of the subfraction having the highest acid-phosphatase activity are discussed in relation to three types or "stages" of ENG. About 80% of the total esterase activity in the brain and the retrocerebral system has been found to be in a "soluble" form. The remaining 20%, the "insoluble" forms, may be associated with subcellular organelles. The methods of Gomori and Burstone for acid-phosphatase localizations are compared, and differing results discussed. The possible roles or functions of acid phosphatases and esterases in the neurosecretory system are discussed.