Studies on beta-glucuronidase of the developing human placenta

Gynecol Obstet Invest. 1980;11(2):119-27. doi: 10.1159/000299830.

Abstract

Subfractional activities and some properties of Beta-glucuronidase were studied at different ontogenetic stages of the human placenta. Maximum activity was localized in the 105,000 g supernatant of tissue homogenate. THe enzyme activity in all fractions increased gradually, being maximum in the placentas of 22-26 weeks of gestation. At term, Beta-glucuronidase activity had diminished to a great extent. The enzyme showed considerable stability after heating at 65 C for 10 min. The Km value of this enzyme for p-nitrophenyl-Beta-D-glucuronide was 1.02 mM. EDTA inhibited placental Beta-glucuronidase. Of the cations tested, Ag+, Fe++ and Co++ were stimulatory, while Zn++ was inhibitory to the enzyme. Only one isoenzyme of Beta-glucuronidase was found in human placenta.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Glucuronidase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Glucuronidase / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Placenta / enzymology*
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Glucuronidase