The metalloenzymic nature of collagenase-like peptidase of the rat testis.

Collagenase-like peptidase, an enzyme degrading synthetic collagenase substrate (PZ-pentapeptide), was purified from rat testes and its properties were examined. Its activity was strongly inhibited by chelating agents, such as EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline. By chelation and exhaustive dialysis it was possible to obtain this enzyme in its inactive, metal-free form. The activity of the metal-free enzyme was partly recovered by treatment with zinc or manganese ions, while a combined zinc and manganese treatment resulted in complete recovery of enzyme activity.