Histochemistry of Phosphatases in the Epididymis of Ram during Postnatal Development*

The localization of phosphatases in the epididymis of Madras Red ram during postnatal development was studied. The alkaline phosphatase activity was weak in the preweaning and pre-pubertal periods but with the onset of puberty it was better observed, especially in the epididymal epithelium. In the ductus epididymidis, the activity in the epididymal tubules was greater than that in the inter-tubular area. Regional variations in the enzyme activity were observed in the different segments. The acid phosphatase activity changed during different stages of postnatal development. The weak activity in the preweaning and pre-pubertal periods changed to moderate and strong in the different regions, with the onset of puberty. The reaction in the different segments of the epididymidis was varied with respect to the basal and apical areas of the epithelium. The adenosine triphosphatase activity in the pre-weaning and pre-pubertal periods was weak. It changed to moderate and strong in the different regions, with onset of puberty. The activity in the epididymis was greater in the epididymal tubules than in the inter-tubular area. The activity in the cauda region of the epididymis was stronger compared to the moderate activity in the corpus and caput regions.