Histochemical localization of NADPH producing enzymes by the tetrazolium salt method and of acetyl CoA carboxylase by a novel peroxydase-labelled avidin method in the storage organs and gonads of the sea star, Asterias rubens

By using histochemical methods the localization of the NADPH producing enzymes glucose-6-P dehydrogenase, 6-P-gluconate dehydrogenase and NADP -dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase has been determined in pyloric caeca, ovaries and testes of the sea star, Asterias rubens. Highest activities of all three dehydrogenases occur in pyloric caeca, especially in the median duct and in the follicle cells of the ovaries. Acetyl CoA carboxylase was localized via a novel method in pyloric caeca and ovaries. Activity of dehydrogenases and the carboxylase coincide in the apical part of the caeca pylorica storage cells and in the follicle cells, suggesting that fatty acid biosynthesis is situated in that part of the pyloric caeca and in the follicle cells.