Cytochemical investigation on acid phosphatase activity in cerebral arteries in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Acid phosphatase activity in the cerebral arterial system in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) was cytochemically investigated. In the endothelial and medial smooth muscle cells, endoplasmic reticulums and Golgi complex revealed an intense acid phosphatase activity and primary lysosomes containing the high enzyme activity were found to be augmented in number. The enzyme activity was demonstrated in the vacuolated secondary lysosomes and in the intercellular spaces of the arterial walls. Lytic changes of the arterial mural cells and vessel matrix due to lysosomal enzymes were also evident. Causes of the lysosomal enzyme induction and roles of the enzyme in the developmental mechanism of hypertensive cerebrovascular changes in the SHR brain are discussed.