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Hamster flank organ hydrolase and lipase activity
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|October 1, 1980
Summary
Golden Syrian hamster flank organs show higher lipase activity than skin, influenced by hormones. This suggests endogenous tissue lipases play a role in sebaceous gland maturation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The golden Syrian hamster flank organ, a sebaceous complex, and skin exhibit distinct enzymatic activities.
- Understanding hydrolase and lipase functions is crucial for sebaceous tissue research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare hydrolase and lipase activities in hamster flank organ and skin homogenates.
- To determine the influence of androgens, estrogens, and anti-androgens on these enzymatic activities.
- To explore the in vitro and in vivo effects of tetracycline and retinoic acid on enzyme function.
Main Methods:
- Utilized synthetic fluorogenic substrates, 4-methylumbelliferone butyrate (4-MUB) for hydrolase and 4-methylumbelliferone palmitate (4-MUP) for lipase.
- Assayed enzyme activities in homogenates of flank organ and skin from golden Syrian hamsters.
- Administered systemic androgens, topical estradiol, and flutamide to female hamsters; tested tetracycline and retinoic acid in vitro and in vivo.
Main Results:
- Flank organ homogenates showed significantly higher lipase activity (8-fold) compared to skin.
- Systemic androgens stimulated flank lipase activity, while estradiol and flutamide decreased it.
- Hormonal influences on hydrolase activity were weaker and converse, suggesting different cellular associations.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous tissue lipases are implicated in the maturation of sebaceous tissue.
- Hormonal regulation of lipase activity in the flank organ is demonstrated.
- Retinoic acid and tetracycline exhibit inhibitory effects on hydrolase and lipase activities, with differential in vivo effects.