In situ localization of enzymes and mucin in normal rat colon embedded in plastic

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Abstract
Several enzymes were investigated histochemically in the colons of normal male F344 rats in order to understand the function of different types of cells in this tissue. Serial methacrylate-embedded sections (2–4 µm) allowed the precise localizations of several enzymes including acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase,N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (hexosaminidase), α-naphthyl butyrate esterase and 5′-nucleotidase. Sites reactive with periodic acid-Schiff were also localized. Gradients of enzyme activity were observed between caecum and rectum and/or from the luminal surfaces to the bases of the crypts for hexosaminidase, esterase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. To our knowledge this is the first histochemical demonstration of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in normal rat colonic epithelial cells. The utilization of the methacrylate-embedding technique has revealed previously undescribed gradients of enzyme activity and has allowed the localization of enzyme activities not previously reported in normal rat colonic mucosa.