Enzyme-histochemical demonstration of lymphatic vessels in the golden hamster periodontium: an attempt to reactivate the 5 '-nucleotidase activity with Mg++ ion supply

Enzyme-histochemical demonstration of lymphatic vessels in the golden hamst er periodontium was performed on cryostat sections using the 5'-nucleotidas e (5'-Nase) staining method by light microscopy and backscattered electron imaging of scanning electron microscopy. The inhibition of the 5'-Nase acti vity by decalcification was cancelled by the Mg++ ion supply. The reaction products of 5'-Nase activity were produced on the lymphatic endothelial cel ls and the tubular structures of lymphatic vessels were seen as highlights by backscattered electron imaging. The invasion of 5'-Nase-positive lymphat ic vessels into the alveolar bone from the periodontium was found in the pr esent study.