Reduction of beta-galactosidase in the ketotic Chinese hamster kidney.

Kidneys from normal, diabetic-nonketotic and ketotic Chinese hamsters were homogenized, fractionated and assayed for beta-glucosidase, and beta-galactosidase activities. The kidneys of the ketotic animals were enlarged but the protein content in each subcellular fraction was similar in all three groups of animals. beta-Glucosidase was found chiefly in the soluble fraction and no difference was observed in these animals. beta-Galactosidase was distributed in both cytoplasmic and particulate fractions; difference in the specific activity of beta-galactosidase between control and ketotic animals was found in nuclear, lysosomal-mitochondrial, microsomal and soluble fractions.