Histochemical demonstration of lipase activity in the gastric mucosa of the cat

The aim of the present study was to determine, histochemically, the onset and location of production of preduodenal lipase in fetal, suckling, weaned and adult cats. Strong enzymatic activity was localized in the surface mucous cells of the gastric mucosa in animals at postpartal day 1 after ingestion of milk. Activity of gastric lipase persisted as long as animals were nursed. No gastric lipase could be demonstrated in weaned and adult cats. Lingual lipase was not found at any developmental stage examined. Thus, in the newborn cat, lipase of the gastric mucosa is responsible for milk fat lipolysis.