Comparison of specific activities of enzymes from young and old dogs and mice

Aldolases A and B (EC 4.1.2.13) and liver cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) have been purified from young and old dogs and mice. The specific activities of these enzymes were measured and show no diminution with age. In addition, dog aldolase B, dog liver superoxide, and mouse liver aldolase were titrated in crude extracts with specific antisera. No accumulation of cross-reacting material with age was detected. The electrophoretic mobilities of these enzymes and the susceptibilities of dog aldolases A and B to trypsin digestion were also unchanged. These results are additional evidence that the accumulation of inactive enzymes is not an invariable concomitant of aging.