Abstract:
A. Enzymes Attacking Oxytocin.
It has been shown that there are at least three enzymes attacking intact oxytocin in placental tissue. Further enzymes
may also be involved.
(1) Oxytocimase.
This enzyme
was found to be a component of the microsomal
membrane fraction of the syncytium. Colorimetric manual and
automated assay proccedures were devised for estimating the enzyme.
Enzyme levels were monitored in a number of patients in the last
trimester of pregnancy. Significant variations from normal were
found associated with placental dysfunction
The presence of a metal ion, essential for enzyme activity,
was confirmed and, it was shown that the metal ion was probably zinc,
magnesium or manganese. It was considered that the metal ion was
located at some position in the molecule separate from the active
centre.