Enzyme histochemical properties of kitten osteoclasts in bone imprint preparations

The enzyme histochemical characteristics of osteoclasts in imprints of the metaphyseal regions of femurs, from male kittens aged approximately 18 weeks, were investigated. A selected number of enzymes representative of a variety of metabolic pathways were studied. The enzyme profile, time for the first appearance of detectable reaction product, intensity of the reactions, and localization of the reaction products were noted. Osteoclasts are rich in enzymes, and metabolic pathways are well developed in respect of the utilization of the reduced coenzymes NADP and NADPH, succinic, malic, lactic, and isocitric acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate and glucose-6-phosphate, the reactions being mediated by the diaphorases and dehydrogenases. The activities of acid and neutral phosphatases, non-specific esterases, and leucine naphthylamidase were high in these cells. However, little or no activity was demonstrated in respect of glutamate and alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenases or of aryl sulphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase.