The subcellular localization of di- and tri-peptide hydrolase activity in guinea-pig small intestine.

1. Two different subcellular fractionation techniques were applied to guinea-pig intestinal mucosa and the composition of the brush borders prepared by the two methods were compared. 2. By using a kinetic assay system the subcellular distribution of activity against ten dipeptides and five tripeptides was studied. 3. Only small amounts (5-10%) of activity against dipeptides were found in the brush-border region, the enzymes being concentrated in the cytosol. 4. Significant amounts (10-60%) of activity against tripeptides were found in the brush border with the remainder largely present in the soluble fraction. 5. The relevance of these studies to the localization in vivo and the possible role of peptidases in protein digestion is discussed.