HISTOENZYMOLOGICAL LIGHT AND ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC LOCALIZATION OF CARBONIC-ANHYDRASE IN THE RAT SUPERFICIAL PINEAL-GLAND

A histoenzymological method for demonstration of carbonic anhydrase (CA) was used for cryostat sections of superficial rat pineal gland. Light and electron microscopic analysis showed a high concentration of this enzyme in stellate cells, particularly heavily distributed under the organ capsule and scattered in the parenchyma, where they form a widespread three‐dimensional network. Most of the pericapillary spaces were lined by CA‐reactive cells. The reaction product, in the form of strongly electron‐dark precipitates, was localized in the cytoplasmic matrix, whereas organelles, except for some mitochondrial intracristal spaces, were CA‐negative. On the basis of localization and morphology of CA‐positive cells, we conclude that these represent glial (interstitial) cells. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved