Histoenzymic Studies in Small Intestine of Post-hatch Uttara fowl

Abstract

The histoenzymic activity of alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in the small intestine of posthatch Uttara fowl was studied by a catalytic method. Uttara fowl of day 0, 7, 28 and 112 were used and the distribution of both enzymes activity was correlated with the age. Analysing the results, it was observed that pronounced activities of alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase enzymes were found in the villous epithelium of 28 and 112 day old birds. The alkaline phosphatase reaction was observed along the brush border of the tips, sides and bases of the villous epithelium with weak activity in the crypts of all intestinal segments. At all ages, the total activity of alkaline phosphatase was higher in the ileum than in either duodenum or the jejunum. Acid phosphatase activity was observed as a fine granular reaction in the epithelial cells of all intestinal segments. The intensity of acid phosphatase was increased in all the three intestinal segments with advancing age.