Histochemical Study of Hydrolytic Enzymes in Meningiomas

Abstract

The distribution and localization of the alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase were histochemically studied in 30 meningiomas of different varieties by diazo-methods and with different effectors. Alkaline phosphatase activity is localized in vascular structures and also in "young" whorls. Acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase activities appear in diffuse or granular form and show a similar distribution pattern. Their localization is particularly intense in necrotic areas, pericytes, phagocytes, etc. These findings agree with the histochemical interpretation of the same intracellularlocalization of the 2 hydrolitic activities, i.e. in lysosomal structures.