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Lethal factor in the male mouse submandibular gland
Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|November 1, 1981
Summary
Male mouse saliva contains a toxic lethal factor, identified as a kallikrein-like enzyme. This enzyme
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Mammalian Physiology
Background:
- A toxic component, termed lethal factor, has been previously identified in the male mouse submandibular gland (SMG).
- The precise nature and secretion pathway of this toxic component remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the toxic component from the male mouse SMG is secreted into saliva.
- To characterize the properties of this toxic salivary component.
Main Methods:
- Submandibular gland extracts and phenylephrine-induced saliva from male mice were tested for toxicity.
- Purification of the toxic component was achieved using isoelectric focusing and DEAE Sephadex A-50 chromatography.
- Enzyme activity was assessed in response to various adrenergic and cholinergic agents.
Main Results:
- Both SMG extract and saliva from male mice exhibited high toxicity across multiple species (guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, mice).
- Toxic activity was consistently found in saliva from all male mouse strains tested, but was minimal in females.
- A kallikrein-like enzyme was purified from the toxic saliva.
- Enzyme activity was significantly enhanced by alpha-adrenergic stimulation, but not by beta-adrenergic or cholinergic agents.
Conclusions:
- The lethal factor in male mouse SMG is an exocrine protein possessing kallikrein activity.
- Secretion of this toxic enzyme into saliva is regulated via alpha-adrenergic receptors.