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Abstract
Nucleoside phosphatase and nonspecific alkaline phosphatase activity is demonstrated in the ciliary epithelium of albino rabbits with both glutaraldehyde-fixed sections and a freezesubstitution technique. Nucleoside phosphatase activity appeared most prominently on the crests of the anteriorly located ciliary processes along the cell membranes of the inner nonpigmented cell layer. It toas shown by currently available histochemical technique to be largely Na-K dependent. Alkaline phosphatase activity was prominent in the basal parts of the processes as well as the tips and in the pars plana. A sequential study of these enzymes at intervals after injections of intravitreal ouabain showed maximum inhibition of both types of activities at 5 days. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that intravitreal ouabain reduced aqueous humor formation by affecting membrane ATPase, but suggest other studies tuhich may be necessary to substantiate this theory.