Abstract
Summary
The 3-(5-Bromoindolyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (I) was prepared in our laboratory for histochemical study of tissue β-glucosidase. The final reaction product following incubation of tissue sections was 5,5′-dibromoindigo which is highly chromogenic and precipitates in cells and tissue at the site of enzymic activity. The enzyme is readily destroyed in tissue by ferri-ferrocyanide and formalin, which is not the case with nonspecific esterase or glucuronidase. Saccharo-1-4-lactone, which has an inhibitory effect on β-glucuronidase, does not affect β-glucosidase. “Substrate inhibition” can also be demonstrated. Optimum pH is 5.4. The β-glucosidase can be demonstrated best in the preputial gland where activity is high. The older acini of the gland showed more intense reaction. Reticulum cells within the villous stalks of the small intestine showed a good reaction. Reticulum cells of the spleen, lymph node and Kupffer cells showed a varied reaction. Extremely small amounts are present in the liver and kidney.
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