Histochemical distribution of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP-ase) in the young rabbit intestine

Abstract

The distribution of leucine aminopeptidase in normal duodenal, jejunal, ileal, crecal and colonic mucosa of the rabbit has been studied using a histochemical method. Thirty New Zealand White rabbits were used ranging from 26-day old foetuses to 43-day old young (3 rabbits per age). Small intestine siles performed a leucine aminopeptidase reaction starting from the 30th day of foetal life. After birth the reaction was variable in intensity up to 19 days of age, while in older animals it became very strong. Similarly, the large intestine followed the same pattern with the exception that from the 24th day of age onwards it performed no reaction.