Abstract
The localization of a reaction product formed as a result of enzyme activity to tissue fine structures has promised a new dimension to morphological techniques. In the brain this prophetic view-point was enhanced by the demonstration of nucleoside phosphatase activity within various specific components of the blood-brain barrier system of the rat (Torack & Barrnett). These and other membrane bound phosphatases are believed to be involved in membrane permeability (Saw, Schwartz), and ion transfer (Skou, Post, et al.), and their involvement in barrier control mechanisms appeared unlikely. However, a realization of the potential in this method was thwarted because the histochemical demonstration of these enzymes usually lacked the specificity of a biochemical technique. The precise nature of the enzyme or enzyme system responsible for the formation of the final product remained obscure.
This investigation was supported by grant (NB-04161-03) from the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness of the National Institutes of Health.
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Torack, R.M., Dufty, M.L., Gordon, J.S. (1967). Specificity of Electron Microscopic Localization of Phosphatase Activity to Cerebral Fine Structure. In: Klatzo, I., Seitelberger, F. (eds) Brain Edema. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-7545-3_36
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