Non-identity of human plasma lysozyme and 4-methylumbelliferyl-tetra-N-acetyl-beta-D-chitotetraoside hydrolase.

1. Using 4-methylumbelliferyl-tetra-N-acetyl-beta-D-chitotetraoside (MU-TACT) as substrate, it is possible to measure the activity of purified lysozyme and to demonstrate lysozyme activity in the urine of patients with acute monocytic leukemia, characterized by massive lysozymuria. 2. Notwithstanding this observation, we present evidence that in normal human plasma another acid endoglucosaminidase is hydrolyzing the substrate. 3. The following data support the hypothesis of the existence of a separate hydrolase: (a) Thermoinactivation is different for MU-TACT hydrolase and lysozyme. (b) In plasma and many other biological samples, the concentration of lysozyme is too low to be measured with the artificial substrate and there is no correlation between MU-TACT hydrolase and lysozyme. (c) Serum of lysozyme deficient rabbits has normal MU-TACT hydrolase activity. (d) On Sephadex G-200 and DEAE cellulose chromatography, lysozyme and MU-TACT hydrolase are eluted separately. (e) Immunoremoval of lysozyme from human plasma does not affect the activity towards MU-TACT. (f) The effect of N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid on the activity of lysozyme and MU-TACT hydrolase is different.