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Studies on the effect of peroxisomicine on catalase activity in albino mice
M Moreno-Sepúlveda1, R Vargas-Zapata, R Ballesteros-Elizondo
1Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad, Autónoma de Nuevo León, Garza García, N.L., Mexico.
Abstract:
Peroxisomicine is a toxic compound isolated from plants of the genus Karwinskia (Rhamnaceae). This toxin produces irreversible and selective damage to the peroxisomes of yeast cells in vivo. Peroxisomicine also inhibits catalase activity in vitro, when using purified enzyme. This paper reports on the effect of peroxisomicine on liver catalase in tissue fragments, in situ, as well as in mice intoxicated with peroxisomicine, in vivo. The catalase activity was determined by biochemical and histochemical methods. In contrast with the reported findings in vitro, the results demonstrate that there is no inhibition of the activity of tissue catalase, and suggest that catalase in situ and in vivo is protected against the inhibitory effect of peroxisomicine by an unknown factor.
Insights
Peroxisomicine, a plant toxin, damages yeast peroxisomes. However, liver catalase in tissue and mice is protected from this toxin, suggesting an unknown protective factor.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Peroxisomicine is a toxic compound from Karwinskia plants.
- It causes irreversible damage to yeast peroxisomes in vivo.
- Peroxisomicine inhibits purified catalase activity in vitro.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of peroxisomicine on liver catalase.
- To assess catalase activity in tissue fragments (in situ) and in intoxicated mice (in vivo).
Main Methods:
- Biochemical assays were used to determine catalase activity.
- Histochemical methods were employed for catalase activity assessment.
- Experiments were conducted on liver tissue fragments and live mice.
Main Results:
- Liver catalase activity in tissue fragments (in situ) was not inhibited by peroxisomicine.
- Catalase activity in mice intoxicated with peroxisomicine (in vivo) remained unaffected.
- These findings contrast with the in vitro inhibition of purified catalase.
Conclusions:
- Liver catalase in situ and in vivo is protected from peroxisomicine's inhibitory effects.
- An unknown protective factor likely shields catalase within the cellular environment.
- Further research is needed to identify this protective factor.