Appearance of acid phosphatase in neonatal rat substantia gelatinosa

The onset of acid phosphatase activity was observed in neonatal rat substantia gelatinosa using the Gomori method. Although acid phosphatase activity was not present at birth it appeared during the first day postnatally. By six to ten days postnatally enzyme activity appeared to reach its adult level. The activity was quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry which showed that acid phosphatase activity reached its adult level by 6 days postnatally. Acid phosphatase in the substantia gelatinosa is fluoride resistant from its first appearance.