Histochemical Localization of True Lipase.

Abstract

Water-soluble unsaturated fatty acid esters were hydrolyzed almost exclusively by the pancreatic type of esterase (true lipase). Similar esters of saturated fatty acids were readily attacked by esterases of both the hepatic and pancreatic type. This difference was utilized in a technic for the histochemical localization of true lipase activity. The findings presented may have implications in human pathology.