Histochemistry of enzymes in the pancreas of human embryos

12 human embryos and fetuses (in weeks 4 to 20 of the intrauterine life) were studied using the methods according to Lojda for the activity of the following enzymes: alkaline and acid phosphatases (AlP, AcP), acid nonspecific esterase (AE), ATP- splitting enzymes (ATP-ase), beta-glucuronidase, aminopeptidases A and M (APA, APM), dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP IV), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and glycero-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (alpha-GPDH). Glycogen content was determined by PAS method. In the youngest embryos, a high activity of DPP IV was recorded in the epithelium of differentiating primitive glandular tubules. Activity of other peptidases was low. The activity of AcP was found in tubular epithelium and mesenchymal cells. After week 7, glycogen was present in the supranuclear zone of tubule epithelium. In older fetuses, especially after week 15 of the intrauterine life, the activity of all studied enzymes gradually intensifies. In acinic anlage, a high activity of DPP IV was observed, activity of APM and GGT increased, activity of APA was lower. A relatively high activity of peptidases was recorded even in the epithelium of ducts. The capillaries showed a high activity of AlP and ATP-ase.