Histochemical demonstration of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in normal rat cartilage and bone

The feasibility of histochemical detection of GGT activity in decalcified bone tissue is proved and the activity distribution pattern of GGT in normal rat cartilage and bone is described. The results suggest the association, in this model, between GGT activity and differentiation mechanisms rather than proliferative processes. The fact that GGT activity in adult tissues which are normally GGT negative has been linked to premalignant transformation confers significance to the study of GGT activity in normal tissues. The results contribute to the knowledge of the biological mechanisms in which GGT activity is involved and to the understanding of the behaviour of tissues which can be used as controls in carcinogenesis models.