Comparative biochemistry of hepatic arylsulfatases from north and south American opossums

1. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) possessed an arylsulfatase which had a relative molecular weight of 130 +/- 12 kDa, displayed anomalous kinetics, hydrolysed AA2S, and exhibited other properties of arylsulfatase A. No arylsulfatase B was found. 2. The arylsulfatase present in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) had a relative molecular weight of 56 +/- 4 kDa, exhibited linear kinetics, was inhibited by chloride, and possessed other characteristics of arylsulfatase B. No arylsulfatase A was found. 3. Arylsulfatases from both species occurred as multiple isozymes which were unaffected by neuraminidase or alkaline phosphatase treatment.