The significance of a differential distribution of phosphomonoesterases on bone surfaces after prolonged demineralization.

An observed differential distribution of alkaline and acid phosphatase on the surfaces of growing bones may serve to describe transformative processes of bone growth. This conclusion has been reached by comparing the distribution of the two enzymes on the surfaces of fibulae from young rats with the patterns of apposition and resorption on the periosteal surfaces of this bone, revealed by in vivo staining with alizarin red S. Presence of reaction to acid phosphatase is, as shown before, an indication of resorptive surfaces, while the presence of reaction to alkaline phosphatase is an indication of depository surfaces.