DETECTION OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEASE-I AND DEOXYRIBONUCLEASE-II (DNASE-I AND DNASE-II) ACTIVITIES IN REPRODUCTIVE-ORGANS OF MALE RABBITS

1. Deoxyribonucleases (DNases) I and II activities in 13 different org ans and body fluids from healthy male rabbits were measured using the single radial enzyme diffusion method. 2. We now show that testis, epi didymis, ampulla, seminal vesicle, vesicular gland, prostate, and seme n have both of the DNases I and II activities, whereas spermatozoa do not. 3. DNase I activities were highest in epididymis and seminal vesi cle, whereas DNase II activities were highest in epididymis and prosta te among the reproductive organs. 4. The presence of these two enzyme activities outside the digestive system suggests that they have anothe r biological function in addition to their digestive roles.