Observations on the function of peroxidase systems and the chemistry of the adrenal cortex

Abstract

INTRODUCTION.EIGHT years ago observations were made on the adrenalectomised animal which gave the impression that the adrenal cortex is in some way involved in the mechanism of biological oxidation.A detailed study of the biological oxidation was begun in the hope that this study might lead to the under- standing -of the function of the interrenal system.Through several years different animal, vegetable and synthetic oxidising systems were studied [Szent-Gyorgyi, 1924, 1, 2;1925, 1, 2;1927, 1, 2], but no connection could be found between these and the function of the adrenal cortex.Finally the peroxidase system was examined.Evidence is presented in the present paper that the adrenal cortex is connected in some way with this oxidising mechanism. PART I.ON THE FUNCTION OF PEROXIDASE IN THE PLANT.1. Some observations on the guaiacum reaction.If to the solution of a purified peroxidase a few drops of an alcoholic solution of guaiacum and a few drops of 0 01 N hydrogen peroxide are added, the immediate development of a blue-green colour proves the activity of the peroxidase.But if the same reagents are applied to the press juice of the plant, which contains almost the whole of its peroxidase, the reaction remains negative, and no colour occurs.This negative result has hitherto generally been attributed to the action of inhibitory substances.If, for instance, from the roots of the turnip (Brassic rapa) a press juice is made, and the above reagents added, no colour appears, although the fluid contains a very active peroxidase which, if reprecipitated with acetone, gives at once a very strong reaction.