Abstract
The pro-teolytic actions of serum and plasma on casein were studied at 37[degree] C. and varying pH, for 24-48 hrs., by determining the N in the filtrates from the boiled isoelectric solutions. The action of an enzyme at alkaline reaction (pH 7.5-8) was greatly increased after treatment with acid at about pH 5. Addition of about 1% NaCl considerably inhibited this enzyme. In certain cases addition of digestion products and NaCl at a weak alkaline reaction caused the production of a protein precipitate. Aqueous extracts of bone-marrow, liver, and mammary glands had a similar action, but intestinal mucous membrane, thymus, and lymphatic glands showed only proteolytic actions, which were very markedly inhibited by addition of NaCl. The possibility of an enzymatic synthesis in certain cases is suggested.

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit: