A β-glucosidase in feline kidney that hydrolyzes amygdalin (Laetrile)

A β-glucosidase has been demonstrated in cat, rat, and rabbit kidney tissue that catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of the terminal glucose residue of amygdalin (mandelonitrile-β-gentiobioside). The enzyme was partially purified from feline kidney and its properties were determined. Although the natural substrates for the enzyme are unknown at this time, this β-glucosidase requires an aryl or unsaturated alkyl aglycone moiety for catalytic function. The unusual species and tissue distribution of the enzyme have considerable implications for cancer chemotherapeutic trials with amygdalin (Laetrile).