INFLUENCE OF GONADECTOMY, SEX HORMONES AND OTHER FACTORS, ON THE ACTIVITY OF CERTAIN GLYCOSIDASES IN THE RAT AND MOUSE

Abstract

SUMMARY 1. The rise with age in the α-mannosidase, β-galactosidase, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase and βglucuronidase activities in the epididymis of mice and rats has been examined. Enzyme activities in both species reached a maximum at an age of 12–14 weeks. 2. Ovariectomy caused a considerable drop in all uterine enzyme activities in mice. Administration of oestrone to such mice restored the activities to intact levels. 3. Castration of both mice and rats greatly reduced the enzyme activities in the epididymis. Prolonged injection of testosterone raised all the activities, although not to intact levels. 4. Injections of menthol, chloroform and carbon tetrachloride caused changes in enzyme activity analogous to those already observed with β-glucuronidase, although there were quantitative differences in the response of each enzyme. 5. A study of the effects of partial hepatectomy, and to a lesser extent, injection of carbon tetrachloride on the glycosidase activities in ovariectomized mice provides evidence for the action of extraovarian oestrogen. 6. Changes in enzyme activities of the epididymis were seen after partial hepatectomy or injection of carbon tetrachloride in castrated male mice. 7. The qualitative behaviour of all four enzymes in response to the action of extrinsic agents suggests that they exert similar functions in the body, and that these may well lie in the field of mucopolysaccharide catabolism.