Histochemical determination of carbohydrates in the prostate of male and female Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis.

The ventral lobes of the prostate in the female and male Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis were studied using light microscopic techniques for the demonstration and localization of carbohydrates. A weakly PAS-positive material appeared in the secretory product and secretory granules in epithelial cells of both female and male ventral lobes. This reaction is unaffected by diastase and is completely blocked by acetylation. Alcian blue, toluidine blue and methylene blue stains demonstrate metachromatic changes only after sulphation. All reactions indicate the presence of neutral mucosubstances in the secretory product and secretory granules of epithelial cells of the ventral lobes in either sex.