Comparison of serum DNA,native DNA-binding and deoxyribonuclease levels in ten animal species and man

Circulating levels of DNA, native DNA-binding proteins and deoxyribonuclease were determined for 11 mammalian species. Native DNA-binding proteins constitutive to normal dog and horse serum were able to protect native DNA from hydrolysis by deoxyribonuclease I under conditions approximating serum. Interaction of serum DNA with circulating nucleases and specific binding proteins was discussed with respect to possible metabolic and functional relationships.