[Glycopeptide obtained from k-casein and its effect on protein assimilation]

The products of restricted proteolysis of kappa-casein were separated by gel filtration. Intravenous injection of high- and low-molecular fractions substantially reduced the pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion in the anesthetized rat stomach. Intermediate fractions had lesser physiological activity. One of the active fractions administered intraintestinally inhibited acid secretion and reduced the pentagastrin-stimulated secretion in rat weanling isolated stomach. All the active fractions inhibited the stimulated secretion in rats with a ligated vagus. It is concluded that the nervous system does not play a crucial role in the mechanism by which gastric acid secretion is inhibited by the products of restricted proteolysis of kappa-casein. Decreasing acid secretion in the stomach, glycopeptide provides for the conditions favouring the efficacy of protein utilization at an early age. It is suggested that the effect of glycopeptide obtained from kappa-casein on the process of assimilation is mediated via peptide hormones.