Heterogeneity of alkaline ribonuclease in the mouse and Ehrlich ascites cells

The specific activity of alkaline RNase II was l00 to 1800 times higher in mouse pancreas than in mouse liver, serum, ascites fluid, and Ehrlich ascites cell grown intraperitoneally. Ehrlich ascites cells grown in cell culture medium had a much lower alkaline RNase II activity than cells grown intraperitoneally. Chromatography on CM-52 cellulose of acid- and heat-treated preparations showned a considerable heterogeneity of the mouse enzymes. Depending on the source of the extract, two to six forms fo alkaline RNase were eluted. Pancreatic extract contained two RNase forms. These also seemed to be present as minor components in preparations from other sources except Ehrlich ascites cells grown in vitro. Ehrlich ascites cells grown in vivo contained forms of the RNase which were not present in other extracts. Possible reasons for this heterogeneity were investigated. In addition to their stability to acid and heat the different RNase forms were similar in that they were much more active at alkaline pH than at acidic pH, they did not require divalent metal ions for activity, and they degraded RNA 'endonucleolytically.' Also, native DNA, denatured DNA, and poly A were poor substrates compared with RNA. Some differences seemed to exist, however, with respect to their abilities to degrade poly U and poly C and their sensitivities to the endogenous RNase inhibitor.