GLUCOSE 6-PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN THE INTESTINAL EPITHELIUM OF THE MOUSE

Abstract

Glucose 6-phosphatase activity has been studied in the mouse intestinal tract using biochemical, cytochemical and cytophotometric methods. The enzyme is present in all segments of the digestive tract including the colon and is essentially localized in the absorbing cells. The maximum of activity is recorded in the middle jejunum. In each intestinal segment, the median part of the villi exhibits the highest reaction. In the epithelial cells, the enzyme is observed in the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum and in the nuclear envelope. Cisternae of the Golgi apparatus are always negative. This enzyme appears to be a useful tool to study the regulating mechanisms operating in the differentiating epithelial cells of the intestine after an appropriate stimulation.