Evidence for specific recognition sites mediating clearance of lysosomal enzymes in vivo

A study of the clearance of liver lysosomal enzymes was carried out in the rat. Purified rat liver lysosomal beta-D-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.30), alpha-L-fucosidase (EC 3.2.1.51), and alpha-D-mannosidase (EC 3.2.1.24), as well as rat preputial gland beta-glucuronidase, were infused intravenously into anesthetized rats. All of the enzymes were rapidly cleared from the circulation. Sodium periodate oxidation of lysosomal beta-glucuronidase resulted in a near abolition of rapid clearance, a reduction in concanavilin-A-Sepharose binding, and a reduction in neutral sugar content, accompanied by alteration in isoelectric focusing properties. Similarly, periodate oxidation of lysosomal N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase resulted in a loss of the rapid clearance property. These results suggest that specific recognition sites occur on lysosomal hydrolases which mediate clearance following intravenous injection, and that these sites involve the carbohydrate portions of the enzymes.