Hamster Salivary Gland Sexual Dimorphism 2. A Histochemical Study of Acid Phosphatase

Abstract

Histochemical variations in acid phosphatase activity, according to sex, were definitively established in this investigation of the albino hamster submandibular and sublingual glands. The age groups studied were newborn, one and two week and one, two, three, six, and nine months. Staining was accomplished by coupling with diazo blue-B after incubation in 6-benzoyl-2 naphthyl phosphate dissolved in veronal acetate buffer (pH 6.0). At one week, and throughout all subsequent stages, acid phosphatase activity was greater in the submandibular and sublingual glands of the female hamsters. The maximum variation in intensity of reaction was noted at three and six months, with a lesser disparity in the earlier and later stages.