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PubMed2001

Pathogenesis of infectious diarrhea.

A brief overview of some of the main features involved in normal physiological bi-directional absorption and secretion of fluid in the gut is given, including the nature and cellular location of key enzymes, ion pumps, symports, antiports and diffusion channels; the microanatomy of intestinal villous vasculature and the dynamics of villus blood flow, which together generate hypertonic zones in villus tip regions; and the production, differentiation, escalator movement (from crypt to villus tip) and subsequent shedding of intestinal epithelial cells. (Neural and hormonal mechanisms that regulate normal mucosal ion transport are not discussed.) The manner in which Vibrio cholerae, several pathotypes of Escherichia coli, several Salmonella serotypes, rotavirus, Campylobacter species, Shigella dysenteriae, Yersinia species and Clostridium difficile perturb these mechanisms and cause diarrhea, is discussed. Throughout the article, the main emphasis is on experimental studies designed to elucidate biological mechanisms and (where relevant) the microbial determinants responsible for diarrheal disease. Allusions are also made to the involvement of host responses such as the inflammatory response, the production and release of potent cytokines and accelerated homeostatic responses (such as increased rates of crypt cell division seen in some infections), and the role that they play in pathophysiological fluid secretion.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Changes in pancreatic exocrine secretion with age: pancreatic exocrine secretion does decrease in the elderly.

Pancreatic exocrine secretion was estimated in 180 normal control patients, free of abdominal and pancreatic disease, aged from 16 to 83 years. Duodenal juice was collected in two 15-min fractions after a single intravenous injection of 1 U/kg secretin + 3 U/kg CCK. Volume, maximal concentration and output of bicarbonate, lipase, phospholipase and chymotrypsin were estimated as well as minimal concentration and output of chloride and calcium. Each parameter was plotted against age, either individually or after separation into two age groups. Volume linearly increased up to the 3rd decade, and thereafter linearly decreased. Bicarbonate secretion paralleled fluid secretion and also decreased after the 3rd decade. The changes in chloride and calcium concentrations were different: concentrations linearly increased after the 3rd decade. Calcium concentration linearly increased with age (p less than 0.02) while chloride output was unchanged. The three enzymes that were studied linearly decreased in concentration as well as in output with age from the 3rd decade (p less than 0.02). Protein secretion decreased before water and bicarbonate secretion. One can conclude that pancreatic secretion changes in humans with age. Aging alters pancreatic secretion, through a decrease in flow rate, bicarbonate and enzyme secretion while calcium concentration is enhanced. Although not requiring substitutive therapy in the whole population, individual cases of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency might be explained by aging, without malnutrition.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

The chronically reserpinized rat as a model for cystic fibrosis: alterations in pancreatic enzyme secretion and storage.

Alterations in the pancreatic secretion of fluid and of enzymes in response to either pilocarpine (15 mg/kg) or an octapeptide of cholecystokinin (0.1 microgram/kg) have been found in rats that received daily injections of reserpine (0.5 mg/kg) for 7 days. During a 3-hr secretory period, significant reductions in the volume of pancreatic juice and in the total output of protein, amylase, and trypsin were observed in these animals. In the first hour of the secretory response, however, protease output was increased in the treated animals, particularly that of chymotrypsin, which was also increased in the longer secretory period following pilocarpine, but not cholecystokinin, stimulation. Zymogen granules isolated from the pancreas of the treated rats by differential centrifugation in a 0.3 M sucrose buffer had increased specific activities of the proteases when compared to those of untreated controls. Ultrastructurally, zymogen granules isolated from the pancreas of the treated rats showed changes in density, with bizonal and trizonal configurations being frequently observed, and had less distinct limiting membranes. In some, the membrane appeared broken at intervals, and there was granular material, presumably derived from the granule contents, lining the surface of the granule. It is concluded that pretreatment with reserpine inhibits fluid secretion and alters enzyme secretion in the rat exocrine pancreas. The latter effect is related to a nonparallel storage of amylase and proteases in the secretory granules induced by the drug treatment, probably through an action on protein synthesis or intracellular transport. An accumulation of proteases may lead to activation of these enzymes and to granule lysis. Inasmuch as the reserpine-treated rat has been proposed as an experimental model for cystic fibrosis, these findings are relevant in terms of possibly pathogenetic mechanisms in this disease.

Amylases↗
PubMed2006

Ouabain binds with high affinity to the Na,K-ATPase in human polycystic kidney cells and induces extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and cell proliferation.

In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), cyst formation and enlargement require proliferation of mural renal epithelial cells and the transepithelial secretion of fluid into the cyst cavity. Na,K-ATPase is essential for solute and water transport in ADPKD cells, and ouabain blocks fluid secretion in these cells. By binding to the Na,K-ATPase, ouabain also induces proliferation in some cell types. Surprisingly, it was found that nanomolar concentrations of ouabain, similar to those circulating in blood, induced ADPKD cell proliferation but had no statistically significant effect on normal human kidney (NHK) cells. Ouabain, acting from the basolateral side of the cells, also caused an increase in the level of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK). Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 blocked ouabain-induced ERK activation and cell proliferation, suggesting that ouabain effect is mediated through the MEK-ERK pathway. In contrast to NHK cells, the dose-response curve for ouabain inhibition of Na,K-ATPase activity indicated that approximately 20% of the enzyme in ADPKD cells exhibits a higher affinity for ouabain. The increased ouabain affinity of ADPKD cells was not due to differences in Na,K-ATPase isoform expression because these cells, like NHK cells, possess only the alpha1 and beta1 subunits. The gamma variants of the Na,K-ATPase also are expressed in the cells but are elevated in ADPKD cells. Currently, the basis for the differences in ouabain sensitivity of NHK and ADPKD cells is unknown. It is concluded that ouabain stimulates proliferation in ADPKD cells by binding to the Na,K-ATPase with high affinity and via activation of the MEK-ERK pathway.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Role of calcium and other trace elements in the gastrointestinal physiology.

Calcium is an essential ion in both marine and terrestrial organisms, where it plays a crucial role in processes ranging from the formation and maintenance of the skeleton to the regulation of neuronal function. The Ca(2+) balance is maintained by three organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, bone and kidney. Since first being cloned in 1993 the Ca(2+)-sensing receptor has been expressed along the entire gastrointestinal tract, until now the exact function is only partly elucidated. As of this date it still remains to be determined if the Ca(2+)-sensing receptor is involved in calcium handling by the gastrointestinal tract. However, there are few studies showing physiological effects of the Ca(2+)-sensing receptor on gastric acid secretion and fluid transport in the colon. In addition, polyamines and amino acids have been shown to activate the Ca(2+)-sensing receptor and also act as allosteric modifiers to signal nutrient availability to intestinal epithelial cells. Activation of the colonic Ca(2+)-sensing receptor can abrogate cyclic nucleotide-mediated fluid secretion suggesting a role of the receptor in modifying secretory diarrheas like cholera. For many cell types changes in extracellular Ca(2+) concentration can switch the cellular behavior from proliferation to terminal differentiation or quiescence. As cancer remains predominantly a disease of disordered balance between proliferation, termination and apoptosis, disruption in the function of the Ca(2+)-sensing receptor may contribute to the progression of neoplastic disease. Loss of the growth suppressing effects of elevated extracellular Ca(2+) have been demonstrated in colon carcinoma, and have been correlated with changes in the level of CaSR expression.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Identification of insulin in the tear film and insulin receptor and IGF-1 receptor on the human ocular surface.

PURPOSE: Insulin produces pleiotropic effects on sensitive tissues, including the ocular surface, through the tyrosine kinase insulin receptor. Cerebrospinal fluid and secreted fluids, such as milk and saliva, have been reported to contain insulin. In the present study, the presence of insulin was examined in tear film, and the expression of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 receptor was examined in the human cornea and conjunctiva. METHODS: Stimulated tear samples collected from 33 volunteers (17 men, 16 women), aged 23 to 51 years, who were fed or fasted for 12 hours, were assayed for total protein and insulin content by the biuret dye test and a radioimmunoassay, respectively. Frozen sections of human cornea (n = 4) and conjunctiva (n = 3) were incubated with anti-insulin receptor and anti-IGF-1 receptor antibodies and developed with a secondary antibody-peroxidase conjugate. RESULTS: Insulin was detected in all tear samples analyzed, the mean concentration being 0.404 +/- 0.129 ng/mL. There were no gender-related differences. In fed subjects, tears tended toward a higher insulin content than those in fasted individuals. There was no linear correlation between insulin and total protein content (mean, 4.61 +/- 0.79 mg/mL) in the tear film. Insulin and IGF-1 receptors were detected in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm of corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study represents the first demonstration of insulin in human tear film and the presence of insulin and IGF-1 receptor on the human ocular surface. These results suggest that the pancreatic hormone may play a metabolic and/or mitogenic role on the ocular surface.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Oxidant-evoked release of acetylcholine from enteric neurons of the rat colon.

In the presence of halides, granulocytes generate hypochlorous acid and, subsequently, chlorinated amines (chloramines). These lipophilic, potent reactive oxygen metabolites may contribute to the mucosal pathophysiology associated with inflammatory bowel disease. A common symptom of inflammatory bowel disease is mucosal secretion of fluid and electrolytes, leading to diarrhea. Because acetylcholine (Ach) can stimulate colonic fluid secretion, we determined the effect of monochloramine (NH2Cl) on Ach release by mucosal/submucosal nerves. Mucosa from the rat colon was separated from outer muscle layers and minced before incubation with [14C]choline to label stores of Ach in cholinergic neurons. Release of [14C]Ach was evoked with NH2Cl in the absence and presence of 5-aminosalicylic acid, glutathione, nordihydroguaiarectic acid or the cyclooxygenase inhibitor piroxicam. NH2Cl produced concentration-related increases in [14C] Ach release into the medium; greater than 100% over base line was observed at 0.5 mM. Glutathione inhibited the NH2Cl-evoked release in a concentration-dependent fashion. Release induced by 0.1 mM NH2Cl was abolished by 5-aminosalicylic acid and significantly inhibited by nordihydroguaiarectic acid. Piroxicam also prevented the effect of NH2Cl on release of [14C] Ach. None of these agents alone had any effect on base line [14C]Ach release. Tetrodotoxin (5 microM) did not significantly inhibit the NH2Cl-evoked transmitter release. We conclude that NH2Cl, at concentrations believed to exist in inflamed tissue, causes the release of Ach from mucosal/submucosal nerves primarily through nonspecific neural membrane injury. Endogenous prostaglandins, possibly liberated as a consequence of the injury, may be involved in the Ach release process.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1987

Physical influences on embryo development.

There is a critical period between 3 and 7 days of incubation when the absence of turning in eggs of the domestic fowl leads to increased mortality and decreased embryo growth. This critical period coincides with the time of subembryonic fluid formation, and it is suggested that the absence of turning leads to the presence of unstirred layer effects in fluid secretion. This fluid deficiency persists throughout the subsequent development of the embryo. Experiments on shell-less culture systems support this interpretation in preference to other explanations of embryo death in unturned eggs, which usually refer to chorion adhesion to shell membranes.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Stimulation of adenylate cyclase in homogenates of isolated intestinal epithelial cells from hamsters. Effects of gastrointestinal hormones, prostaglandins, and deoxycholic and ricinoleic acids.

The mechanism by which intestinal secretagogues evoke fluid secretion in the small bowel and colon has been suggested to involve mucosal adenylate cyclase. Adenylate cyclase activity was assayed by conversion of [32P]ATP to [32P]cyclic AMP in a system of pure epithelial cells isolated from the small intestine of the hamster by vibration in buffer. Several gastrointestinal hormones were tested for their capacity to stimulate adenylate cyclase; vasoactive intestinal peptide and impure cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (but not the 99% pure preparation or pure cholecystokinin octapeptide) were potent stimuli, but pentagastrin, glucagon, secretin, and gastric inhibitory peptide were impotent. Two prostaglandins, PGE1 and PGE2, were potent stimuli of adenylate cyclase. Two other compounds that provoke intestinal secretion of fluid, deoxycholic acid and ricinoleic acid (castor oil), were ineffective stimuli of adenylate cyclase. These experiments do not support a clear-cut relationship between a compound's ability to stimulate adenylate cylase and its activity as an intestinal secretagogue.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1977

Symposium on diarrhea. 1. Definition and mechanisms of diarrhea.

Diarrhea, an increase in frequency of evacuation and in water content of the stool, is the result of three categories of mechanism--solute malabsorption, secretion of fluid and motility disturbance. Before diarrhea is considered an abnormal condition, any alteration in stool frequency and content must be related to an individual person's normal bowel habit and to norms for the population, but more than three bowel movements or the passage of liquid stools exceeding 300 g daily should, in general, be considered abnormal. A useful way of understanding the mechanism of diarrhea is to become familiar with the normal functions of the bowel in regard to water and electrolyte absorption and motility, and then to relate these functions to solute malabsorption, fluid secretion and motility disturbance.

Diarrhea↗
PubMed2005

STa and cGMP stimulate CFTR translocation to the surface of villus enterocytes in rat jejunum and is regulated by protein kinase G.

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is critical to cAMP- and cGMP-activated intestinal anion secretion and the pathogenesis of secretory diarrhea. Enterotoxins released by Vibrio cholerae (cholera toxin) and Escherichia coli (heat stable enterotoxin, or STa) activate intracellular cAMP and cGMP and signal CFTR on the apical plasma membrane of small intestinal enterocytes to elicit chloride and fluid secretion. cAMP activates PKA, whereas cGMP signals a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGKII) to phosphorylate CFTR in the intestine. In the jejunum, cAMP also regulates CFTR and fluid secretion by insertion of CFTR from subapical vesicles to the surface of enterocytes. It is unknown whether cGMP signaling or phosphorylation regulates the insertion of CFTR associated vesicles from the cytoplasm to the surface of enterocytes. We used STa, cell-permeant cGMP, and cAMP agonists in conjunction with PKG and PKA inhibitors, respectively, in rat jejunum to examine whether 1) cGMP and cGK II regulate the translocation of CFTR to the apical membrane and its relevance to fluid secretion, and 2) PKA regulates cAMP-dependent translocation of CFTR because this intestinal segment is a primary target for toxigenic diarrhea. STa and cGMP induced a greater than fourfold increase in surface CFTR in enterocytes in association with fluid secretion that was inhibited by PKG inhibitors. cAMP agonists induced a translocation of CFTR to the cell surface of enterocytes that was prevented by PKA inhibitors. We conclude that cAMP and cGMP-dependent phosphorylation regulates fluid secretion and CFTR trafficking to the surface of enterocytes in rat jejunum.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Effect of cholera toxin on passive transepithelial transport of 51Cr-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and 14C-mannitol in rat jejunum.

Intestinal fluid secretion, mainly derived from the crypts, induced, for example, by cholera toxin, decreases the passive transport of small hydrophilic molecules into the lumen. However, the effect of the fluid secretion on the passive absorption of these substances and thus on the permeability of the villus absorptive area is not known. Therefore, the transport rates of 51Cr-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 14C-mannitol from lumen to plasma and from plasma to lumen were recorded in jejunal loops of anaesthetized rats during cholera toxin-induced fluid secretion in the absence and presence of glucose in the intestinal lumen and expressed as clearance (microL (min g)(-1)). The results showed that the cholera toxin induced fluid secretion and abolished the passive absorption of 51Cr-EDTA both in the absence and presence of luminal glucose during a high perfusion rate (0.5 mL min(-1)). The clearance of mannitol was also inhibited at the low perfusion rate (0.2 mL min-1) with the glucose-free perfusate but only reduced with the glucose perfusate. The results show that mechanisms activated by cholera toxin inhibit the passive absorption of inert hydrophilic substances. This is proposed to be mainly caused by a reduction in the accessibility of the villus epithelium to the luminal content. Furthermore, the secretion seems predominantly to inhibit the passive absorption at the basal parts of the villus while the absorption rate at the villus tips is better preserved. The results also show that the intestinal absorption and secretion of fluid takes place at different locations (villus and crypts, respectively).

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Two-photon microscopic analysis of acetylcholine-induced mucus secretion in guinea pig nasal glands.

The spatiotemporal changes in intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) as well as fluid secretion and exocytosis induced by acetylcholine (ACh) in intact acini of guinea pig nasal glands were investigated by two-photon excitation imaging. Cross-sectional images of acini loaded with the fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator fura-2 revealed that the ACh-evoked increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was immediate and spread from the apical region (the secretory pole) of acinar cells to the basal region. Immersion of acini in a solution containing a fluorescent polar tracer, sulforhodamine B (SRB), revealed that fluid secretion, detected as a rapid disappearance of SRB fluorescence from the extracellular space, occurred exclusively in the luminal region and was accompanied by a reduction in acinar cell volume. Individual exocytic events were also visualized with SRB as the formation of Omega-shaped profiles at the apical membrane. In contrast to the rapidity of fluid secretion, exocytosis of secretory granules occurred with a delay of approximately 70s relative to the increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Exocytic events also occurred deep within the cytoplasm in a sequential manner with the latency of secondary exocytosis being greatly reduced compared with that of primary exocytosis. The delay in sequential compound exocytosis relative to fluid secretion may be important for release of the viscous contents of secretory granules into the nasal cavity.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2001

Cl(-)-dependent secretory mechanisms in isolated rat bile duct epithelial units.

Cholangiocytes absorb and secrete fluid, modifying primary canalicular bile. In several Cl(-)-secreting epithelia, Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport is a basolateral Cl(-) uptake pathway facilitating apical Cl(-) secretion. To determine if cholangiocytes possess similar mechanisms independent of CO2/HCO, we assessed Cl(-)-dependent secretion in rat liver isolated polarized bile duct units (IBDUs) by using videomicroscopy. Without CO2/HCO, forskolin (FSK) stimulated secretion entirely dependent on Na(+) and Cl(-) and inhibited by Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) inhibitor bumetanide. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor ethoxyzolamide had no effect on FSK-stimulated secretion, indicating negligible endogenous CO2/HCO transport. In contrast, FSK-stimulated secretion was inhibited approximately 85% by K(+) channel inhibitor Ba(2+) and blocked completely by bumetanide plus Ba(2+). IBDU Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport activity was assessed by recording intracellular pH during NH4Cl exposure. Bumetanide inhibited initial acidification rates due to NH entry in the presence and absence of CO2/HCO. In contrast, when stimulated by FSK, a 35% increase in Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport activity occurred without CO2/HCO. These data suggest a cellular model of HCO-independent secretion in which Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport maintains high intracellular Cl(-) concentration. Intracellular cAMP concentration increases activate basolateral K(+) conductance, raises apical Cl(-) permeability, and causes transcellular Cl(-) movement into the lumen. Polarized IBDU cholangiocytes are capable of vectorial Cl(-)-dependent fluid secretion independent of HCO. Bumetanide-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport, Cl(-)/HCO exchange, and Ba(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels are important components of stimulated fluid secretion in intrahepatic bile duct epithelium.

Ammonium Chloride↗
PubMed1985

The role of calcium in diuretic hormone action on locust Malpighian tubules.

Fluid secretion by the Malpighian tubules (MTs) of Locusta is drastically reduced in the absence of extracellular calcium. Verapamil (10(-4) M) inhibits basal secretion, whereas the ionophore A23187 (10(-5) M) elevates the secretory rate. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) stimulates fluid secretion at a concentration of 10(-3) M. A factor extractable in methanol from the storage lobes of the corpora cardiaca stimulates increased guanylate cyclase activity in MTs, resulting in a 10-fold elevation in intracellular cGMP levels. Attempts to separate the factor stimulating guanylate cyclase by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography proved unsuccessful. Neither 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) (10(-4) M) nor A23187 (10(-5) M) are able to elevate intracellular cGMP levels. Elevations of both intracellular cAMP and cGMP levels in response to diuretic hormone (DH) are potentiated in the absence of extracellular calcium. Consistent with these elevations are increases in the rates of fluid secretion by tubules deprived of extracellular calcium. It is concluded that, although calcium has an important role in the regulation of fluid secretion, its role in the mechanism of hormone-stimulated secretion may be modulatory rather than regulatory.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Properties and actions of heat-stable enterotoxin of Escherichia coli.

The heat-stable enterotoxins (STs) produced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli are classified into two groups, methanol-soluble (STI) and methanol-insoluble (STII) enterotoxins. These are distinct toxins with unique properties. Their features in common include heat-stability, low molecular weight, secretion from the bacteria, and ability to induce fluid secretion from the intestine. STI is an 18- or 19-amino acid extracellular peptide with three intramolecular disulfide bonds, which is produced by proteolytic cleavage of 72 amino acid precursor. The STI in the lumen of the intestine binds to specific protein receptors (guanylate cyclase C) located in the brush border membrane and leads to elevation of intracellular cyclic GMP level. Several factors involved in the activation of guanylate cyclase by STI have been identified. Elevation of cyclic GMP level induces intestinal fluid secretion by stimulation of chloride secretion. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, which is a chloride channel, might be involved in chloride secretion. In contrast, STII is a 48-amino acid peptide with two intramolecular disulfide bonds, which results from 71 amino acid precursor. Compared with STI, the steps that lead to intestinal fluid secretion by STII are not well established. It has been proposed that sulfatide in the brush border is a receptor for STII and that the STII bound to the receptor opens GTP-binding regulatory protein-linked calcium channels. These actions of STII induce not only stimulation of the production of secretagogues such as prostaglandin E2 and serotonin, but also activation of the calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in the cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

The effect of splanchnic nerve stimulation and neuropeptide Y on cholera secretion and release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in the feline small intestine.

The effect of sympathetic nerve stimulation and intra-arterial infusion of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on net fluid secretion and release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was studied in the cat small intestine during a secretion due to cholera toxin. Activation of the splanchnic nerves (4 Hz, 5 ms, 5 V) decreased net fluid secretion to 57 +/- 10% of control. Concomitantly, the release of VIP was reduced to less than 50%. Furthermore, close i.a. infusion of NPY (estimated increase in plasma concentration 75 nmol l-1) reduced the net fluid secretion and VIP release to 27 +/- 5 and 28 +/- 4% of the pre-stimulatory value. The correlation between the decrease in net fluid secretion and reduction in VIP release showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.83). These results strongly indicate that the antisecretory effect of sympathetic nerve stimulation during cholera diarrhoea is mediated by inhibition of secretory VIP neurons in the intestinal mucosa. A similar mechanism is also proposed for the intravascularly administered NPY.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Properties of an oviducal protein involved in amphibian oocyte fertilization.

The secretion produced at the most cephalic portion of the oviduct of the toad (pars recta in Bufo arenarum) is involved in fertilization. Although the present study indicates that a prerequisite for the fertilization of coelomic eggs is either their passage through the pars recta (PR) or their treatment with PR secretion fluid prior to insemination, the exact role of this secretion in the fertilization process is still not clearly understood. A protein acting upon the vitelline envelope (VE) of Bufo arenarum coelomic eggs has been purified from secretion fluid (pars recta protein, PRP). Some properties of both this protein and the secretion fluid are examined in an effort to understand their mechanism of action. It was shown that PRP partially dissolves the VE of coelomic oocytes in a way that resembles the action of proteolytic enzymes. PRP has also proved to be active on synthetic substrates of proteolytic enzymes such as p-Tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester-HCl (TAME), alpha-N-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester-HCl (BAEE), and alpha-N-benzoyl-DL-arginine-p-nitroanilide HCl (BAPNA). PR enzyme is activated by calcium ions, shows a broad peak of maximum activity at pH 7.8, is stable at alkaline pH, and is inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) and N-alpha-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone HCl (TLCK) but not by lima bean trypsin inhibitor (LBTI) or L-1-tosyl-amide-2-phenylethylchloro-methyl-ketone (TPCK).

Animals↗