Localization of lysosomal enzymes in retinal pigment epithelium of rats with inherited retinal dystrophy.

Four acid hydrolase activities are demonstrable by light microscopy in pigment epithelial cell lysosomes of rats (Royal College of Surgeons--RCS) with inherited retinal dystrophy and in control (Fischer) rats. The enzymes include acid phosphatase, aryl sulfatase, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, and esterase activities. No marked differences are observed in distribution or staining intensity of lysosomes in the two strains of rat. Acid hydrolase activities are not localized in sites other than lysosomes. Acid phosphatase and aryl sulfatase activities are also demonstrable by electron microscopy. In both strains, acid phosphatase reaction product is localized to various forms of lysosomes in pigment epithelial cells. A diffuse precipitate, considered to be nonspecific in origin, is seen in the cytoplasm, apical processes, outer segments (control), and outer segment debris (RCS). The precipitate is probably due to adsorption of lead from the incubation medium or of lead phosphate that diffuses from heavy accumulations in nearby lysosomes. Aryl sulfatase reaction product, in contrast to acid phosphatase, is localized to far fewer lysosomes and there is virtually no nonspecific precipitate. The findings indicate that lysosomes of RCS pigment epithelial cells possess several cytochemically demonstrable acid hydrolase activities. There is no evidence for the localization of acid phosphatase (or aryl sulfatase) activities in sites other than lysosomes.