The Stability Of So-Called Axonal Acid Phosphatase As Determined By Experiments In Its “Stainability”

Abstract

Since the histochemical method for exhibiting acid phosphatase in bodily tissues is said to depend upon the enzyme acting on suitable substrates, it is possible to test its stability by various tests. It has been found that the background element or elements, whatever they may b e, concerned with the “staining” properties of the reaction are very stable and somewhat resistant to destruction. So-called acid phosphatase in spinal cord axons has not been inactivated by subjecting it to various fixing solutions, changes in temperature and pH, relatively prolonged post-mortem autolysis nor by well known enzyme inactivators. It is believed that the “staining” reaction may be dependent fundamentally on other factors than enzymatic activity.