Electron microscopic studies on the aryl-sulphatase activity of the pineal gland

On applying p-Nitrocatechinsulphate (2-Hydroxy-5-nitrophenylsulphate) as substrate, characteristic positivity was demonstrable in the pineal gland. The reaction was localized to the Golgi system and to the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, producing in them a homogenous, in the primary lysosomes a fine granulated strongly electron scattering precipitate. The development of primary lysosomes was well detectable with histochemical reaction at the level of both the Golgi apparate and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Membrane limited bodies occurring in the cells corresponded to autolysosomes. Negative reaction was obtained with para-nitro-phenylsulphate and acethyl-phenylsulphate. The presence of KCN and pCMB inhibited the reaction.