PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROTECTION OF CELL CONSTITUENTS AND THE PRECISE LOCALIZATION OF ENZYMES

Abstract

1. Physical and chemical protection of cytoplasmic constituents in tissue sections from the time of tissue removal until completion of the histochemical reaction resulted in a more precise intracellular localization of various enzymes. 2. In many instances sites of enzymatic activity were localized on rod-shaped and ovoid bodies resembling mitochondria and lysosomes. 3. Thermal, osmotic and chemical injury of cytoplasmic structures produced extensive intracellular and extracellular diffusion of enzyme and reaction product. 4. Once thermal damage had occurred mitochondrial swelling and enzyme diffusion appeared despite osmotic and chemical protection.