Histochemical distribution of digestive enzymes in intestine of goldline, Sarpa salpa L. 1758

• Published in: Journal of applied ichthyology Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 43 - 48
• Main Authors: Kozarić, Z., Kužir, S., Petrinec, Z., Gjurčević, E., Opačak, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin, Germany Blackwell Verlag GmbH 01-02-2006
• Subjects: Marine; Sarpa salpa; MED, Adriatic Sea; MED, Croatia
• ISSN: 0175-8659; 1439-0426
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0426.2006.00694.x

Summary
Histochemical localization of non‐specific esterase, alkaline and acid phosphatase in the intestine of free‐living goldline (Sarpa salpa L. 1758) was investigated. Fish were caught in the vicinity of the town of Zadar (Adriatic Sea, Croatia), and samples of three parts of the intestine proper (anterior, middle and posterior) as well as the rectum were used for presentation of non‐specific esterases, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase. Non‐specific esterase activity was found in the cytoplasm and brush border of enterocytes in all investigated intestinal segments and the rectum. The activity was stronger in the middle and posterior part of the intestine but weaker in the anterior segment of the intestine as well as in the rectum. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase was detected in the brush border and supranuclear cytoplasm of enterocytes of all investigated intestinal segments. Enzymatic activity gradually decreased in a posterior direction. Acid phosphatase activity was observed as a fine granular reaction product in the supranuclear region of enterocytes and was almost equal in all investigated intestinal segments as well as in the rectum. The possible role of enzymes in intracellular digestion and transport is discussed.