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Carboxypeptidase M in brain and peripheral nerves.
A Nagae1, P A Deddish, R P Becker
1Laboratory of Peptide Research, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago 60612.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Carboxypeptidase M (CPM) is an enzyme found in the brain and peripheral nerves, closely associated with myelin and myelin-forming cells. This study confirms its synthesis within the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
Background:
- Carboxypeptidase M (CPM) is a plasma membrane-bound enzyme that cleaves C-terminal basic amino acids.
- Its distribution and specific roles in the central and peripheral nervous systems are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and localization of Carboxypeptidase M (CPM) in the brain and peripheral nerves of multiple species.
- To confirm the identity of the enzyme activity as CPM and explore its association with myelin.
Main Methods:
- Tissue dissection, homogenization, and enzyme activity assays using dansyl-Ala-Arg substrate.
- Immunohistochemistry with anti-human CPM antiserum.
- Co-purification with myelin and Northern blot analysis for mRNA detection.
Main Results:
- CPM activity was high in specific brain tracts (corpus callosum, pyramidal and optic tracts) and peripheral nerves (sciatic, vagus).
- CPM was confirmed to be membrane-bound and associated with myelin and myelin-forming cells (glia, Schwann cells).
- CPM mRNA was detected in the brain, indicating local synthesis.
Conclusions:
- Carboxypeptidase M (CPM) is closely associated with myelin and myelin-forming cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- The enzyme is synthesized within the brain, suggesting localized functional roles.
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