Neutral endopeptidase-24.11 (NEP)-like activity in molluscan hemocytes.
Using a spectrofluorimetric procedure, we found that the plasma membrane from hemocytes of two freshwater snails, Planorbarius corneus and Viviparus ater, shows neutral endopeptidase-24.11 (NEP)-like activity. Moreover, the addition of ACTH(1-24) to the hemolymph provokes an increase in NEP-like activity. This increased NEP-like activity is blocked by phosphoramidon, a potent inhibitor of mammalian NEP. These findings suggest that this peptidase has been well conserved in the course of evolution and plays an important role in immune-neuroendocrine mechanisms.
Ottaviani
E
E
Department of Animal Biology, University of Modena, Italy.
Caselgrandi
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E
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000201:enzymology; D003366:Cosyntropin / Q000378:metabolism; D006434:Hemocytes / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015260:Neprilysin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012908:Snails / Q000201:enzymology*; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence
D003366:Cosyntropin; D015260:Neprilysin