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The localization and distribution of β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, succinic dehydrogenase, malic dehydrogenase, and lactic dehydrogenase in the rat testis have been studied histochemically. Intense enzyme activity in the interstitium as well as tubules was observed. However, malic dehydrogenase was found to be more active in the interstitium than in the tubules. The distribution pattern of enzyme activity appeared in four different phases in the seminiferous tubules corresponding to the gradient in the spermatogenetic wave, thereby indicating a metabolic adaptation at subcellular level.

Lipase activity has been demonstrated by improved techniques in the interstitial tissue as well as in the seminiferous elements of the rat testis. The distribution of lipids in the testis has been studied histochenuically. It is seen that both the distribution of the enzyme as well as the substrate follow a definite l)arahlel pattern in four different phases. The physiological significance of this enzyme (w-hich is present in quite large concentrations in the interstitium as well as germinal elensents) in the metabolism of (he testis and the sperms, is thus revealed. INTROI)UCTION The presence of lipids in the interstitial tissue as well as the seminiferous tubules in the vertebra(c testis is well known (Montagna, 1952; Melanupy and Cavazos, 1954). As early as 1928, Oslund reviewed (he literature on the periodic accunsulations amid the discharge of lipids in the interstitial tissue of (he testes of fishes, amphibians, birds, and seasonal nsammals. Several others have studied (he seasonal changes in the lipid constents of (he testis with respect to spermatogenesis in various vertebrates and also with reference to the behavioral pattern of these animals (Lofts and Marshall, 1957 ; Marshall

Extrusion of preformed sebum from the preputial glands of rat after phenylephrine and adrenaline treatment, and its inhibition by alpha-receptor blocking agents under in vitro conditions, shows that secretory response of the glands is influenced by alpha-adrenergic receptors, and isoproterenol--a beta-agonist--is not effective in elicitation of exudation of secretion from the preputial gland.

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