Histochemistry of epiphyseal plate
Vaananen, K.; Korhonen, L.K.
Cellular and Molecular Biology Including Cyto-Enzymology 23(2): 105-111
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-5680 PMID: 719664 Document Number: 127695
Distribution of the 6 enzyme activities, namely acid and alkaline phosphatase, .beta.-glucuronidase, non-specific esterase, succinate dehydrogenase and .beta.-hydroxybutyric-dehydrogenase, was studied in the proximal femoral epiphyses of rats, aged from 1-8 wk. Age dependent changes in activity were most distinct with alkaline phosphatase. The alkaline phosphatase activity became stronger with age but was strictly limited to the lower zones of epiphyseal plate. The acid phosphatase activity was most evident in the proliferative cells. Some diffuse staining was also observed in the matrix, especially in hypertrophic and calcification zones. The maximal activities of 2 lysosomal enzymes, .beta.-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase, were dissimilar. The activity of non-specific esterase was strongest in the proliferative zone of epiphyseal plate and changed very little with advancing age. Fairly weak activity of succinate dehydrogenase and .beta.-hydroxybutyric-dehydrogenase was observed in the epiphyseal cartilage. Some observations concerning the staining of the articular cartilage and bone cells were also made.