The ability of nonionic detergents to solubilize the membrane-bound enzymes of the brush-border plasma membrane of Hymenolepis diminuta was investigated. Of the detergents tested (Triton X-100, Tween 80, Brij 35, Lubrol PX and WX, W-1, and beta-octyl-D-glucoside), only Triton was an effective solubilizing agent. Optimal solubilization was achieved by incubating an isolated fraction of the brush-border membrane in the presence of 1% Triton X-100 for 60 min at 37 C, followed by centrifugation at 100,000 g for 60 min at 25 C. This treatment resulted in solubilization of 94% of the alkaline phosphohydrolase, 91% of the phosphodiesterase and ribonuclease, and 88% of the 5'-nucleotidase activities. The pH optima for enzymes solubilized in nonionic and ionic detergents (Triton and sodium dodecyl sulfate, respectively) did not differ. Isoelectric focusing of the Triton-solubilized material demonstrated the presence of at least 14 polypeptides, a majority of which had isoelectric points below pH 7.