Oxidoreductase distribution in the fat body and symbionts of the German cockroach Blattella germanica: a histochemical approach
De Piceis Polver, P.; Sacchi, L.; Cima, L.; Grigolo, A.; Laudani, U.
Cellular and Molecular Biology 32(6): 701-708
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-5680 PMID: 3030552 Document Number: 276590
The localization of some dehydrogenases and cytochrome c oxidase in different cell types of Blattella germanica fat body and symbiotic bacteria was evaluated using histoenzymatic techniques. Staining intensity varied according to the cell type and oxidoreductase under study. In bacteriocytes, succinate dehydrogenase and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase showed the highest activity. The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was greater in trophocytes and urocytes. Cytochrome c oxidase showed a moderately intense activity, which was higher in bacteriocytes than in trophocytes and urocytes. All the oxidoreductases examined, except the tetrazolium reductases, were demonstrated also in the bacteria. The formazan granules, corresponding to the enzymatic activity, occurred in various points of the procaryotic cell and on the transverse septa. In the bacteria, cytochrome c oxidase activity appeared to be weak.