Lysosomal acid hydrolases in developing human brain regions.

beta-D-Glucosidase, beta-D-glucosaminidase, acid phosphatase, and beta-D-galactosidase were monitored in the human foetal brain at different gestational periods. Glucosidase specific activity in all brain regions exhibits two peaks, at 8 g and 32 g foetal weights. Acid phosphatase exhibits very high specific activity in all brain regions at 5 g, but the cerebellar activity forms a peak at 220 g foetal weight, the midbrain at 135 g, and the spinal activity at 760 g. beta-D-Glucosaminidase has a peak at 220 g and 660 g in the midbrain, and beta-D-galactosidase specific activity is highest in the cortex and cerebellum in late gestation (neuronal differentiation phase). The midbrain medulla and the spinal cord show peak activity at 8 g and 220 g foetal weight. The results suggest an inter- and intraregional heterogeneity of acquisition for these enzymes in human brain ontogeny.