Histochemical localization of alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activity in the skin of a freshwater teleost Heteropneustes fossilis--Bloch (Heteropneustidae, Pisces)
Mittal, A.K.; Rai, A.K.; Banerjee, T.K.
Cellular and Molecular Biology Including Cyto-Enzymology 22(2): 227-234
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-5680 PMID: 610845 Document Number: 111624
Alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activity in the skin of H. fossilis were studied using various cytochemical techniques. A strong alkaline phosphatase activity in the basal cells indicates the metabolically active state of these cells. High alkaline phosphatase activity in the polygonal cells of the middle layer was correlated with the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides in these cells. Absence of alkaline phosphatase activity in the polygonal cells of the most superficial layer and gradual increase in the acid phosphatase activity in the polygonal cells of the outermost layer may be indicative of less metabolic activity of the cells which are probably at the preparatory stages of cell death. The high alkaline phosphatase activity in the basement membrane was correlated with the formation of fibrous protein formation and active transportation of ions across the basement membrane. The high alkaline phosphatase activity in the blood vessels in the dermis and the subcutis was correlated with nutrient transportation and absorption.