Sarcocystis fusiformis: some protein metabolic enzymes in various fractions of sarcocysts of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).
An investigation on the relative presence of some protein metabolic enzymes, namely aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), NAD+ and NADP+ dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and arginase in cyst wall (CW), cyst fluid (CF) and zoite (ZT) fractions of the sarcocysts of Sarcocystis fusiformis in the oesophageal muscles of Indian water buffalo was carried out. Both the transaminases were present in all the fractions of the cyst, although in variable amounts. There was a higher level of AST activity than of ALT activity. AST activity was the highest in ZT, whereas ALT activity was at a maximum in the CF fraction. The levels of activity of NAD+ and NADP+ dependent GLDH and arginase remained beyond detectable limits. The study revealed that the intermediates of carbohydrate metabolism are linked to protein metabolism by transaminases. The possibility of concomitant removal of ammonia and its subsequent incorporation into the urea cycle is ruled out in this parasitic protozoan.
Gupta
R S
RS
Department of Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Jabalpur, India.
Kushwah
H S
HS
Kushwah
A
A
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001119:Arginase / Q000378:metabolism*; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000378:metabolism*; D002020:Buffaloes / Q000469:parasitology; D005969:Glutamate Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism*; D012522:Sarcocystis / Q000201:enzymology*
D005969:Glutamate Dehydrogenase; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D001119:Arginase