HISTOCHEMICAL-DEMONSTRATION OF LIPASE ACTIVITY IN THE GASTRIC-MUCOSA OF THE CAT

The aim of the present study was to determine, histochemically, the on set and location of production of preduodenal lipase in fetal, sucklin g, weaned and adult cats. Strong enzymatic activity was localized in t he surface mucous cells of the gastric mucosa in animals at postpartal day 1 after ingestion of milk. Activity of gastric lipase persisted a s long as animals were nursed. No gastric lipase could be demonstrated in weaned and adult cats. Lingual lipase was not found at any develop mental stage examined. Thus, in the newborn cat, lipase of the gastric mucosa is responsible for milk fat lipolysis.