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The histochemical demonstration of five lysosomal enzymes in the pars distalis of the amphibian pituitary

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Summary

The distribution of five lysosomal enzymes (acid phosphatase, β-glucosaminidase, β-glucuronidase, sulphatase and E 600-resistant esterases) was studied in the pars distalis of the urodelian pituitary. Naphthol-AS-compounds coupled with hexazonium-pararosanilin yielded particularly good localization. The typical lysosomal picture and a basically similar distribution were obtained throughout. The reaction product was mainly found in the globules of the globular basophils (β-cells) reported as gonatropin producing cells by several authors. Some speculations on the possible function of the high amount of the lysosomal enzymes in the globular basophils are made.

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Dedicated to Professor W. Bargmann on his 60th birthday.

This work was partly supported by a grant from Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, Bad Godesberg.

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Wächtler, K., Pearse, A.G.E. The histochemical demonstration of five lysosomal enzymes in the pars distalis of the amphibian pituitary. Z.Zellforsch 69, 326–333 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00406285

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00406285

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