Radiation-Induced Alterations in the Distribution of Lysosomal Hydrolases in Rat Spleen Homogenates

Whole-body exposure of rats to^{60}{\rm Co}\text{-}\gamma $radiation results in increases in the activities of two lysosomal hydrolases, β-glucuronidase and α-fucosidase, found in the supernatant fraction of spleen homogenates. The redistribution of these enzymes from the "particulate-bound" to the "free-supernatant" fraction of spleen homogenates has been studied as a function of radiation dose. The response curves for the ratio of free/bound enzyme versus dose are sigmodial with maximum occurring at 300 to 400 rad.