Effect of different amino acids on the phosphatase system of an ectoparasite: Poecilobdella granulosa

Inhibitory effect of different amino acids (L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, L-histidine-monochloride and L-arginine) on the phosphatase system of the brain, ventral nerve cord, stomach and intestine of the Indian medicinal leech Poecilobdella granulosa, was observed to be substrate, tissue, and inhibitor-specific. Most fascinating observation recorded was the activation of alkaline phosphatase of stomach and intestine by certain amino acids at low concentrations. This has been correlated with the sanguivorous habit of leeches.