Comparative studies on estrogen-dependent peroxidases contained in uterine microsomes and fluid of rats and pigs.

1. The uterine peroxidase activity of rats was determined quantitatively at each stage of the estrous cycle, and it was found that the protein-based and DNA-based specific activities in proestrus and estrus are 4-5 times higher than those in diestrus. Ovariectomy caused a marked decrease in the activity in the uterus, and the administration of estrogen, but not other steroids, restored the activity. Of many organs in normal rats, the uterus had the greatest peroxidase activity. The peroxidase activity of pig uterus varied from animal to animal and the mean specific activity was about one-hundredth of that of rats. 2. The peroxidase activity of uterine tissue was mainly associated with subcellular particulates, especially microsomal fractions. The membrane-bound peroxidase showed a cyanide-difference spectrum which was very similar to those of lactoperoxidase and thyroid peroxidase. 3. Rat uterine fluid peroxidase was also found to be estrogen-dependent and to exhibit a similar cyanide-difference spectrum. 4. On the basis of spectroscopic, kinetic, and other properties, the relationship between the uterine tissue peroxidase, uterine fluid peroxidase and eosinophil peroxidase is discussed.