Pyroglutamate aminopeptidase in rat submaxillary gland

A significant amount of pyroglutamate aminopeptidase (PGAP) activity was found to be present in 27,000 x g supernatant of rat submaxillary gland, maximum activity being at pH 6.5. EDTA stimulated the enzyme activity by 95% at pH 8.0 while at pH 6.5 it did not have any significant effect. On comparison of its properties submaxillary PGAP appears to be different from brain, pituitary and other reported PGAPs. Submaxillary PGAP could also catalyze efficiently the formation of cyclo (His-Pro) from TRH. Cyclo (His-Pro) formation by submaxillary enzyme was more pronounced than that by liver PGAP.