THE HISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION OF ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN MYOCARDIUM

Abstract

Adenosine triphosphatase has been demonstrated histochemically in rat and human myocardium. To obtain its precise localization in discrete bands, apparently corresponding to the concentration of myosin, it was necessary to modify the existing technique to obtain better preservation of unfixed tissue and maximal enzymatic activity. Thus it was necessary to increase the concentration of calcium and to effect the reaction at pH 9.4 after treatment with 2:4-dinitrophenol. The specificity of the reaction was shown by these factors, by testing with phosphate esters other than adenosine triphosphate, and by the inhibitory effect of magnesium.