Abstract

1. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) and phytase (EC 3.1.3.8) were similarly distributed in the small intestine of rats. Regional differences in activity were reflected by similar differences in the capacity of ligated intestinal segments to hydrolyse phytate in vivo. Activities were greatest in the duodenum and lowest in the terminal ileum. 2. Specific activities of both enzymes were tenfold greater in the brush border fraction of duodenal mucosa compared with entire mucosal homogenates. 3. Brush-border alkaline phosphatase and phytase activities required both magnesium and zinc ions for maximal activity. 4. Zn deficiency induced by feeding a diet low in Zn (0.5 mg Zn/kg) caused similar reductions in activity of both enzymes. 5. Zn deficiency induced by feeding diets marginally adequate in Zn (12 mg/kg) and phytate (10 g/kg) caused reductions in alkaline phosphatase, phytase activities and phytate hydrolysis in vivo. 6. It is suggested that phytase activity is a manifestation of alkaline phosphatase and the significance of this in relation to phytate-induced in Zn deficiency is discussed.