PHOSPHATASES IN OCULAR TISSUES - CILIARY EPITHELIUM MAST CELLS OF CILIARY PROCESSES AND VITREOUS CELLS

Using Gomori’s hislocheniical method on formol calcium fixed tissue, il was possible to deteel differences belween the outer and inner cell layers of the ciliary epithelium in the pattern of distribution of non-specific acid and alkaline phosphatase activities. Acid phosphatase activity was higher in the outer cell layer, whereas alkaline phosphatase activity was higher in the inner cell layer. In addition, acid phosphatase and slight alkaline phosphatase activity were demonstrated in the mast cells in the stroma of the ciliary processes. A prominent acid phosphatase activity was also demonstrated in the fibrocytes and a weaker one in the hyalocytes of the vitreous body. The possible correlation of the fine structure of the ciliary epithelium with the described pattern of distribution of the enzymatic activity is discussed. The difference in tin? enzymatic activity may express different stages of secretion of the ciliary epithelium. The acid phosphatase activity in the mast cells may play its role in the very early stage of the releasing of the cellular content. The acid phosphatase activity in the vitreous cells may be concerned with phagocytosis. © 1969 S. Karger AG, Basel.