Enzymatic activity in the placenta in cows in relation to the course of parturition

The activity of aminopeptidases and cathepsins was determined in placentoma homogenates; placentomas of cows were extirpated immediately after parturition and in four and eight hours. In cows with afterbirth retention (a. r.) following induced parturition, the activity of these enzymes was always higher than in cows without a. r., no matter if after induced and spontaneous parturitions; it was at a similar or slightly higher level than in the eighth month of pregnancy. The content of total proteins in placentomas of cows with a. r. was also higher. These findings point to the insufficient ripening, or aging of placental tissue, which is related to a release of lysosomal enzymes. The enzymes are active through hydrolysis in the separation of foetal placenta from the maternal one and in the modification of proteins participating in intercellular linkages.