Glycol methacrylate embedding in enzyme histochemistry: Application to arthropode tissue incubated for demonstration of unspecific esterase and succinic dehydrogenase activity

Summary The final products of unspecific esterase and succinic dehydrogenase were demonstrated in 1–2 m sections of tick salivary glands embedded in glycol methacrylate (GMA). In the esterase experiments, the tissue specimens were incubated after fixation in glutaraldehyde or acroleïn, and then embedded in GMA. For demonstration of succinic dehydrogenase activity, the specimens were incubated prior to glutaraldehyde fixation followed by embedding in GMA. In sections of all preparations intense enzymatic reaction was observed. High resolution light microscopy could efficiently be used for precise locating of the enzymic products, due to excellent morphologic reference in semithin GMA sections.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Presented in part at the 4th International Congress on Protozoology, Clermont-Ferrand (France), 2.–9. September 1973.The author was fellow of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft at the Department of Anatomy, Medical School Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany, during part of this study.     

Effect of megestrol acetate on milk production in sows and piglet growth

A group of 16 German Landrace sows, nursing 155 piglets, was used for the demonstration of the effect of 20 mg of the progestogen megestrol acetate, administered orally from Day 8 to 21 post-partum, on milk production, milk composition and piglet weight. Eight sows remained untreated. Megestrol acetate treatment increased significantly milk yield by 35% and piglet weight at weaning (Day 35) by 30% over controls. A carryover effect after cessation of drug treatment was dtected, which kept milk production at an increased level for 8 more days.