Histochemical comparison of oxidative enzymes in adrenal glands of mammals

Summary Succinic dehydrogenase, five DPN-linked dehydrogenases-lactic dehydrogenase, malic dehydrogenase, glutamic dehydrogenase, -glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, -hydroxybutyric dehydrogenase, two TPN linked dehydrogenases — glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, isocitric dehydrogenase and 3-ol steroid dehydrogenase were studied in mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, dog, cat, cow, monkey and human adrenal glands. Histochemical studies were made of a characteristic distribution of different level of enzyme activity. In mammals adrenal glands, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase showed the highest activity and its localization was divided into the following two groups: 1) High enzymatic activity was demonstrated in the zona fasciculata and reticularis of the rat, guinea pig, rabbit, cat and 2) high enzymatic activity was demonstrated in the zona glomerulosa and reticularis of the dog, cow and monkey. A precise relationship between the localization and endocrinological function remains abscure.