Abstract
Ultrastructural localization of the different types of phosphatase activities (Ca++ activated ATPase (Ca++-ATPase), Mg++ activated ATPase (Mg++-ATPase), Alkaline phosphatase (AlPase)) in the normal minor salivary glands of adult human lower lip were studied by the enzyme histochemical method.
Intense reaction products resulting from Ca++-ATPase activity were observed on adjoining plasma membrane of the acinar, the intercalated ductal and the myoepithelial cells, however little reaction product was found on the luminal or basal plasma membrane of these cells. Localization pattern of Mg++-ATPase activity was almost equal to that of Ca++-ATPase activity.
AlPase activity was demonstrated on the luminal and lateral surfaces of endothelial cells and on the inside substrate of the capillary, while no reaction product was present on acinar, intercalated ductal or myoepithelial cells.
These observations are discussed with respect to their physiological significance.
