ENZYME-HISTOCHEMISTRY OF THE REGRESSING RAT DECIDUA AND METRIAL GLAND

In order to understand more about participation of the basal placental zones in processes of regression and degradation as well as separatio n on the cellular level, the cell metabolism of the rat decidua and me trial gland was investigated enzyme histochemically in cryosections fo r activities of oxyradical-forming enzymes and hydrolyzing enzymes. Ad ditionally, plastic sections were studied to facilitate the recognitio n of cell types. Decidual stromal cells and fibroblasts formed the vas t majority amongst many cell types in the decidua and metrial gland. H igh activities of enzymes involved in purine degradation and oxyradica l generation were demonstrated in decidual stromal cells and fibroblas ts. Microsomal alanyl aminopeptidase and various acid hydrolases were shown to be extremely active in decidual stromal cells. The abundance of these enzyme activities in the decidua and metrial gland in contras t to other placental areas suggests, that these enzymes may have speci alized functions in connection with regression and degradation process es finally contributing to plancental separation.