Histoenzymological studies on the distribution of certain phosphatases in the retinae of owlet (Athene brama) and house sparrow (Passer domesticus).

A comparative study on the distribution of alkaline phosphatase (AlP), acid phosphatase (AcP) and 5'-nucleotidase (5-N) amongst the different constituents of retinae of owlet and house sparrow revealed some interesting aspects of the localization of such phosphatases in both the cases. The outer segment of photoreceptors, where light strikes first, are positive for all the phosphatases. Further, areas composed of synapses, reveal activity of the three enzymes. Another interesting aspect is related to the total absence of the activity of AlP and 5-N in the ganglion cells of both the animals. Other sites of phosphatases in various layers have been also identified. The possible metabolic roles of various phosphatases at different sites have been discussed.