Detection of deoxyribonucleases I and II (dnases I and II) activities in reproductive organs of male rabbits

Abstract

• 1.

  1. Deoxyribonucleases (DNases) I and II activities in 13 different organs and body fluids from healthy male rabbits were measured using the single radial enzyme diffusion method.

• 2.

  2. We now show that testis, epididymis, ampulla, seminal vesicle, vesicular gland, prostate, and semen have both of the DNases I and II activities, whereas spermatozoa do not.

• 3.

  3. DNase I activities were highest in epididymis and seminal vesicle, whereas DNase II activities were highest in epididymis and prostate among the reproductive organs.

• 4.

  4. The presence of these two enzyme activities outside the digestive system suggests that they have another biological function in addition to their digestive roles.