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Abstract
The autolytic activity of bovine lens extracts at 55° C. and pH 7.4 has been shown to be markedly influenced by the simultaneous presence of mono- and divalent cations. Of the cations tested, Na+ at 2.5 to 5 mM. and Mg2+ at 5 to 10 mM. produce the best activation. The stimulation is synergistic. On the basis of results obtained here and in other laboratories, the suggestion is made that this combination of cations may be required for activation of the neutral proteinase of the lens. In the presence of Mg2+ and average physiologic lenticular levels of both Na+ and K+, autolysis is suppressed to the basal level obtainable in the presence of Mg2+ alone.