Lysosomal enzymes in organs of irradiated rats

Acid phosphatase, β glucuronidase and cathepsin B were assayed in the duodenum, lung, ileum, brain and urine (in the latter, only β glucuronidase and acid phosphatase) of fed, starved and whole body irradiated rats (1 and 2 days after 500 and 2000 R). An increase in lysosomal activity was found in the ileum and duodenum, particularly on day 1 and in the high dose range. β glucuronidase displayed the most pronounced increase. In normal brain only low catheptic activity was found, and the changes were small. In the lung, an increase in β glucuronidase was noted one day after 2000 R.