Subcellular distribution and activity in different rat tissues of a deoxyinosine-activated nucleotidase

A nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.31) isolated previously from rat liver cytosol was specifically measured in 14 different rat tissues and in subcellular fractions of liver and spleen, taking advantage of the stimulation exerted on it by deoxyinosine. The intracellular distribution studies showed that the enzyme is located almost entirely in the soluble cytoplasm except for the possible presence of 1-2% of the enzyme in the nucleus. The enzyme was present in various amounts in all the tissues studied. Spleen, thymus, and intestinal mucosa showed higher specific activities than any other tissue. On a per cell basis spleen, liver and intestinal mucosa had the highest enzyme activity, whereas bone marrow, brain, thymus, heart and skeletal muscle had activities in the lower range. The results may suggest that the enzyme plays a role in the recovery of endogenous nuclear material for nucleic acid synthesis.