Related Experiment Videos
Aminopeptidase activity in human saliva
J L Maza1, J Ellacuría, L Casis
1Departamento de Estomatología, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Vizcaya, España.
Medicina Oral : Organo Oficial De La Sociedad Espanola De Medicina Oral Y De La Academia Iberoamericana De Patologia Y Medicina Bucal
|August 14, 2001
Summary
Human saliva contains various aminopeptidase activities, suggesting a role in peptide homeostasis. These findings indicate saliva
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Aminopeptidases are crucial enzymes involved in peptide metabolism.
- Their presence and function in human saliva are not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify aminopeptidase activity levels in whole human saliva.
- To explore the potential role of these enzymes in salivary peptide homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Assessed aminopeptidase activity by measuring the hydrolysis rate of artificial substrates: Ala-, pGlu-, Pro-, Arg-, Asp-, and Cis-2-naphthylamides.
- Utilized fluorimetric detection at 412 nm with excitation at 345 nm.
Main Results:
- Detected and characterized multiple aminopeptidase activities in human saliva.
- Demonstrated the enzymatic capacity of saliva to modify peptide levels.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate that human saliva possesses significant aminopeptidase activity.
- This activity suggests a homeostatic mechanism for regulating salivary peptide levels, similar to other tissues.