Histochemical Distribution of 5-Nucleotidase in Snake Tissues: Presence of 5-Nucleotidase and Absence of Alkaline Phosphomonoesterase in Venom Glands of the Rattlesnake

Abstract

1. Activity of the specific alkaline phosphatase, 5-nucleotidase, is intense in the epithelium and secretion of the rattlesnake venom gland. Non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity is lacking. 2. Thyroid epithelium, the smooth muscle of great vessels, and (inconstantly) smooth muscle of abdominal hollow viscera show greater 5-nucleotidase than nonspecific activity. 3. These findings confirm the specificity of 5-nucleotidase.