[Age-specific distribution of beta-glucuronidase and beta-galactosidase in the humeral epiphysis of rats].

The chondrocytes of the humeral epiphysis and of the articular cartilage of newborn, 8-, 30-, and 60-day-old albino rats contain beta-glucuronidase and beta-galactosidase. Both enzymes were found to be rare in the before mentioned cells. The reactions begin in the cells of the column cartilage and of the osteoblasts of the metaphysis on the 8th day of life and demonstrate an additional activity in 40- to 60-day-old animals. The results mark the activity of the degrading enzymes of the carbohydrate metabolism.