DISTRIBUTION OF DEHYDROGENASES IN THE SKIN OF THE RHESUS MONKEY (MACACA MULATTA)

The activities of the following dehydrogenase systems were demonstrated in the skin of the rhesus monkey ( Macaca mulatta): succinic, malic, isocitric (DPN and TPN), lactic, α-glycerophosphate, glucose 6-phosphate, 6-phosphogluconate, β-hydroxybutyric and glutamic dehydrogenase. Strong dehydrogenase activity in general is restricted to metabolically active sites such as the basal layer of the epidermis, the outer root sheath of the hair follicles, the hair matrix and bulb, the clear cells of the eccrine sweat glands and the basal cells of the sweat glands. The myelinated fibers of Meissner corpuscles and the inner bulb of the Pacinian corpuscles in the palms and soles abound in all of the dehydrogenases. The enzymes are also abundant in the arrectores pilorum muscles, the endothelium of the arterioles, the fibroblasts and mast cells.