A HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY ON DISTRIBUTION AND LOCALICATION OF BETA-GLUCURONIDASE ACTIVITY IN CEREBRAL TUMORS

Beta-glucuronidase activity has been studied in 46 cerebral tumors by Naphthol AS-BI beta-D-glucuronide and diazotized pararosanilin. The distribution pattern of the enzyme activity is similar to that already observed for other lysosomal enzymes, with some minor differences. The histochemical staining increases in regressive or catabolic areas so that its relationship with malignancy appears to be indirect. Special regard is devoided to some cytotypes, such as giant cells of glioblastoma and gemistocytic astrocytes whose high enzyme activity is considered as a sign of cellular regression. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.