Activity of Beta-Glucuronidase in Human Female Genital Tissues and in Vaginal Secretions

Abstract

The effects of irradiation, blood, bacteria, the menstrual cycle and temp. were studied in respect to the activity of beta-glucuronidase in vaginal secretions and tissues of women with and without genital cancer. Irradiation reduced the activity of this enzyme in the vaginal secretions and in tumor tissue. Fresh blood decreased the activity in vaginal secretions and in tissue homogenates. Organisms isolated from the vagina of women with and without cervical cancer exhibited beta-glucuronidase activity when menthol glucuronide was added to the culture medium. Enzyme activity in the vaginal secretions may become elevated during menses. Refrigeration stabilizes the activity of tissue homogenates for as long as 5 days.