A method for distinguishing Cu,Zn- and Mn-containing superoxide dismutases.

A procedure has been developed to distinguish between the two forms of eukaryotic superoxide dismutases using a common activity assay. Treatment of cellular fractions with 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate at 37 degrees C for 30 min selectively inactivates the mitochondrial, manganese-containing variant without affecting the cytosolic copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase. After removing excess sodium dodecyl sulfate by precipitation with potassium chloride, the supernate is assayed using the xanthine oxidase-cytochrome c method.