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[Neutral endopeptidase activity in human peripheral blood leukocytes]
A Kimura1, I Iwamoto, K Ochiai
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Chiba University School of Medicine.
Arerugi = [Allergy]
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity is primarily found in human neutrophils, not other blood leukocytes. This suggests NEP may regulate neuropeptide-induced neutrophil activation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Neuropeptides play a role in leukocyte activation.
- Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) is an enzyme that hydrolyzes neuropeptides.
- The distribution of NEP in human leukocytes is not well understood.
Purpose:
- To determine the distribution of NEP enzymatic activity among human peripheral blood leukocyte subsets.
- To investigate whether NEP is present on the surface of neutrophils.
Summary:
- NEP enzymatic activity, measured by phosphoramidon-sensitive Met5-enkephalin degradation, was significantly present in neutrophils (59.0 +/- 9.1 pmol/min 10(6) cells).
- NEP activity was virtually absent in mononuclear cells, eosinophils, and basophils.
- Immunocytochemical analysis using anti-CALLA antibodies confirmed the presence of NEP (identical to CALLA) exclusively in neutrophils.
Impact:
- This study identifies neutrophils as the primary leukocyte population expressing NEP.
- The findings suggest that NEP may play a crucial role in regulating neuropeptide-mediated activation of human neutrophils.
- This research provides a basis for further investigation into NEP's function in neutrophil-mediated inflammatory and immune responses.