Histochemical distribution of digestive enzymes in hake, Merluccius merluccius L. 1758

Histochemical localization of nonspecific esterase, alkaline and acid phosphatase in digestive tract of free-living Hake (Merluccius merluccius L. 1758) and their contribution to digestive process were researched. Material originated from Adriatic Sea (vicinity of Island Rab). The histochemical techniques were used for detecting of enzymatic activity. Various enzymatic activities had been noticed, in correlation with particular parts of fish digestive tract. Strong esterases activity had been noticed in intestinal epithelial cells. Alkaline phosphatase has a wide distribution and localization in intestine segments, generally in lamina propria, but mostly in brush border of enterocytes. Activity of acid phosphatase has been associated with intestinal epithelial cells, and it is only enzyme detected in gastric glands. Obtained data will have influence on understanding the digestive processes of investigated fish.