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

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. 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. DNase I activities were highest in epididymis and seminal vesicle, whereas DNase II activities were highest in epididymis and prostate among the reproductive organs. The presence of these two enzyme activities outside the digestive system suggests that they have another biological function in addition to their digestive roles.