We report that Aspergillus terreus LD-1 produces an extracellular ligninolytic enzyme, manganese peroxidase (MnP), that reacts under alkaline conditions. This MnP was purified 13.1-fold from the culture supernatant to elicit a single band upon sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The molecular weight of this MnP was estimated as either 43 kDa by SDS-PAGE or 44 kDa by gel permeation chromatography, suggesting a monomeric structure. The optimum pH and temperature of this MnP are 12.5 and 37 degrees C, respectively. This MnP is stable in the pH range 11.0 to 12.5 and also up to 40 degrees C. The K(m) values of this MnP for hydrogen peroxide, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (2,6-DMP) and Mn2+ were 320 microM, 20 microM and 33 microM at pH 12.5, respectively. The activity of the MnP is completely inhibited by Hg2+, Pb2+, Ag+ and lactate. On the other hand, the MnP is activated by oxalate, maleate and fumarate. Maleate at 5 mM increased the MnP activity 5-fold. EDTA at 1 mM inhibited the MnP activity completely, but this inhibition was not observed in the presence of 1 mM Fe2+.