[Enzyme histochemical studies on the epithelium of the epididymis of the tomcat (author's transl)].

The histochemical localization of some oxidoreductases was investigated in the epididymides of adult tomcats. Succinate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, beta-hydroxybutyrate-dehydrogenase revealed their highest activity in corpus and cauda epididymidis whereas glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase was strongest in the caput. The activity of the diaphorases and of cytochrome oxidase in the epididymal epithelium increased from caput towards the cauda epididymidis. The reaction for isocitrate dehydrogenase was distinct throughout the whole length of the ductus epididymidis. Our findings were compared with the biochemical results of other authors and the functions of the oxidoreductases in the epididymal epithelium were briefly discussed.