Testosterone induction of estero-proteolytic activity in the mouse submaxillary gland

Testosterone injections sharply increase the estero-proteolytic activity in submaxillary gland extracts of female and of adolescent mice. A major form of hormone-dependent enzyme has been isolated and purified from male gland extracts. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 32000 and appears to be a peptide hydrolase with strong esterolytic activity. A specific antiserum to the purified enzyme was prepared and used for immunochemical titrations. The results indicate that the increased enzyme activity in the gland following testosterone treatment is due to an increased concentration of enzyme molecules. Incorporation studies gave additional evidence that the hormone stimulates the rate of the enzyme synthesis in the gland.