Classification of mouse submaxillary gland esteroproteases by their substrate specificities.

The submaxillary gland esteroproteases were separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and their substrate specificities were determined by histochemical staining procedures using cellulose acetate membranes. Twenty-one proteolytically active enzymes were classified into four groups based on substrate specificities on benzoyl-arginine-ethylester (BAEE), N-alpha-benzoyl-DL-arginine-p-nitroanilide (BAPNA), and poly-L-lysine. These types were further divided into eight subgroups by their sensitivity to inhibitors and androgen dependence. These results suggest that eight groups of esteroproteases are present in the submaxillary gland of male mice.