[Activity of gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase in embryonic human organs]

The histochemical distribution of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) in organs of human embryos and fetuses was studied. In youngest embryos (4-7 weeks), a high GGT activity in the epithelium of the proximal part of embryonic intestine was recorded. Maximum of the activity was localised on membranes of luminal surface of primitive epithelium. High GGT activity in differentiating hepatocytes was also observed. In older fetuses (8-20 weeks) the activity of GGT gradually increases. In the epithelium of intestinal villi apex-basis gradient of the activity was recorded. The highest GGT activity in differentiating brusch border of the epithelium of proximale tubuli of fetal kidney was observed as well.