STUDIES ON BETA-GLUCURONIDASE IN THE HUMAN VAGINA

1. (1) A micro-method for the estimation of β-glucuronidase in human vaginal fluid based on total protein is described. 2. (2) A linear relationship of β-glucuronidase with vaginal fluid concentration in the presence of Triton X-100 is shown. 3. (3) Difficulties in obtaining vaginal fluid β-glucuronidase in a fully soluble form are described. The only treatments found to release fully the enzyme into solution are the non-ionic detergents Triton X-100 and Nonidet P.40 in combination with 0.9% NaCl. 4. (4) Occasional inhibition of β-glucuronidase activity after its release into the soluble state is noted. This was shown to be reversible on subsequent treatment of the 0.1% Triton−0.9% NaCl suspension with water. 5. (5) A brief comparison of β-glucuronidase solubility in other tissue homogenates is made.