NUCLEAR PRESENCE OF 2 LYSOSOMAL-ENZYMES IN RAT IMPLANTATION SITES

Objective-To test the Szego hypothesis of increased beta-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase activities in hormone target tissues. Methods-Th e presence of beta-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase activities in nu clear subcellular fractions obtained from decidual (implantation site) and stromal (nonimplantation zone) tissues was demonstrated by both b iochemical measurements and ultramicrographic analysis utilizing a his tochemical reaction. Results-Acid phosphatase was almost twice as abun dant in nuclei and lysosomes of epithelial cells (implantation sites), and beta-glucuronidase also was significantly more active in nuclei f rom epithelial and decidual tissues than in nonimplantation tissue. Co nclusion-Our results, utilizing the implantation process as experiment al model, support the Szego hypothesis of the lysosomal role in hormon al mechanisms of action.