A STUDY OF ARYL SULFATASE AND ACID PHOSPHATASE IN THE DEVELOPING NERVOUS SYSTEM OF THE RAT

Abstract

Aryl sulfatases A and B and acid phosphatase activities were studied in the nervous system of rats aged 5, 10, 15, 20 and greater than 45 days. The enzyme reaction products appeared as granules localized in neurons of the cerebral cortex, brain stem, choroid plexus and ependyma and in blood vessels. The distribution and intensity of enzyme reaction product varied with the age of the animals. Aryl sulfatase B activity appeared earlier and reached a maximum of intensity sooner than the other enzymes. Acid phosphatase and aryl sulfatase A activities appeared at the same time. However, acid phosphatase had a greater intensity of activity than aryl sulfatase A. The increased activity of aryl sulfatase B was parallel with the maturation of neurons. It is suggested that aryl sulfatase B may be an essential enzyme for myelination.