Studies on the Biochemistry of Human Semen

Summary. Some practical and theoretical objections against the viscosimetric assay of hyaluronidase as generally employed have been advanced. A simplified method for the preparation of hyaluronate from vitreous humor, synovial fluid and umbilical cords has been worked out and some properties of the preparations determined. A method for the assay of hyaluronidase using viscosity measurements has been worked out based on the demonstration that the enzymatic depolymerisation follows a monomolecular reaction scheme. The reaction constant under specified conditions is used as a measure of hyaluronidase activity. The feasibility of defining an international unit of hyaluronidase based on measurement of the reaction constant is discussed.