beta-Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity in human and kitten odontoclasts and kitten osteoclasts

beta-Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity was studied in whole cell preparations of human and kitten odontoclasts and kitten osteoclasts. Strong histochemical reactions occurred within 2--10 min in all three giant cell types. The possible significance of the high levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity in the metabolism of odontoclasts and osteoclasts is discussed.