-Glucuronidase Activities in Cerebrospinal Fluid

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,1circulating leukocytes,2,3and activated macrophages4as 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.1In most tissues, the enzyme exists predominantly in a latent form, distributing with lysosomes and microsomes.5From this bound state, it may be released into a free or non-sedimentable form during the process of autolysis,6ischemic necrosis,7bacterial or traumatic shock,8experimental muscular dystrophy,9and vitamin A intoxication.10In relation to the neoplastic process, most, but not all, human and experimental tumors show