-Glucuronidase Activities in Cerebrospinal Fluid

Abstract

Introduction β-Glucuronidase is a widely distributed enzyme which acts in acid pH optimum to hydrolyze the β-glycosidic bond between glucuronic acid and a variety of other moieties, including steroids, many hydroxylated aromatic compounds, and sugar derivatives. Its activities are particularly high in reproductive organs,¹ circulating leukocytes,^2,3 and activated macrophages⁴ as well as in epithelial tissues in general. Proposed natural substrates include the glucuronide conjugates of estrogens and other steroidal hormones and the oligosaccharide products of mucopolysaccharide degradation.¹ In most tissues, the enzyme exists predominantly in a latent form, distributing with lysosomes and microsomes.⁵ From this bound state, it may be released into a free or non-sedimentable form during the process of autolysis,⁶ ischemic necrosis,⁷ bacterial or traumatic shock,⁸ experimental muscular dystrophy,⁹ and vitamin A intoxication.¹⁰ In relation to the neoplastic process, most, but not all, human and experimental tumors show