Eosinophil Granulocytes I. Identification of the Uterus Peroxidase

Abstract

1. The peroxidase which can be demonstrated in the uterus of a spayed and oestrogen-stimulated mouse is fully accounted for by the eosinophil granulocytes in this organ. 2. Initially the peroxidase activity increased exponentially but levelled off somewhat after about 48 hrs whereas weight and QO₂ reached constant values after twice this time. The increase in oxygen consumption of the uterus was considerably higher than what corresponded to the gain in weight. DNA increased from the very first hours, which possibly may be accounted for by the early and intense invasion of eosinophils into the uterus of the mouse given the acutal treatment (3 μg of a long-acting oestrogen). 3. No NADH oxidase activity could be detected in fresh homogenates of the mouse uterus in spite of a high peroxidase activity; in the rat uterus both activities could be demonstrated. 4. No peroxidase or NADH oxidase activity could be detected in the rabbit uterus. This may be connected to the absence of mast cells in this organ.

Key Words:

• Eosinophils
• estrogens
• DNA
• mast cells
• oxidoreductases
• peroxidases
• progesterone
• uterus