Histochemical demonstration of activity of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase in bovine incisor tooth germs.

Activity of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase was shown in bovine preodontoblasts and preameloblasts prior to the onset of secretion. In the preameloblasts the rather weak reaction consisted of small discrete granules dispersed in the cytoplasm apical, lateral, and proximal to the nucleus. After initiation of enamel formation, a change in localization and intensity of the colored reaction product was observed in the ameloblasts. The activity appeared stronger and was restricted to a narrow zone just apical to the nucleus. It is proposed that the acid hydrolases in the tooth forming cells are located to the Golgi complex. The differences in activity of acid hydrolases between bone and tooth forming cells are expounded.