The inhibition of beta-glucuronidase by saccharic acid and the role of the enzyme in glucuronide synthesis.

In view of the relationship shown to exist between the fi-glucuronidase activity of a tissue and its state of growth (Levvy, Kerr & Campbell, 1948), it was considered important to find a specific inhibitor' for this enzyme. It has been suggested (Fishman, 1940), without any direct evidence, that fl-glucuronidase is responsible for the formation of glucuronides in the body. The use of an inhibitor for glucuronidase in testing this hypothesis forms an obvious first step towards elucidating the physiological function ofthe enzyme. A variety of substances have been examined for their effect on the hydrolysis of phenylglucuronide byf-glucuronidase. Ofthosewhichcausedinhibition, by far the most effective was D-glucosaccharic acid, and this compound was examined for its action on glucuronide synthesis by liver slices and on growth processes in the mouse.