[The influence of oleic acid on the aminopeptidase activity in astrocytes of the rat].
BACKGROUND
Changes in fatty acid composition of membrane lipids induce modifications on the activity of several enzymes and membrane transporters. Glial cells possess aminopeptidases which are located in the plasma membranes. Aminopeptidases are generally zinc-metalloenzymes which hydrolyze peptide bonds near the N-terminal end of peptides and polypeptides. The importance of these enzymes is based on their major role in protein metabolism and in the regulation of circulating hormones and biologically active peptides.


OBJECTIVE
We study the effects of oleic acid on several aminopeptidase activities in primary cultures of rat astroglia, using aminoacyl-beta-naphthylamides as substrates.


RESULTS
Oleic acid inhibits Ala-, Cys-, Leu- and Tyr-aminopeptidase activities, but not modifies Arg- and pGlu-aminopeptidase activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Oleic acid modulates aminopeptidase activities in astrocytes. This could be related with intercellular communication and molecular transport processes, in which the astrocyte function has been involved. Furthermore, oleic acid might modulate the action of opioid peptides and steroid hormones on astroglial cells.
Martínez-Martos
J M
JM
Area de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales y de la Salud, Universidad de Jaén, España. jmmartos@ujaen.es
Ramírez-Expósito
M J
MJ
Prieto
I
I
Mayas
M D
MD
Ramírez
M
M
D000626:Aminopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000201:enzymology*; D001693:Biological Transport, Active / Q000502:physiology; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000187:drug effects; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000201:enzymology; D046508:Culture Techniques; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000201:enzymology; D019301:Oleic Acid / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D019301:Oleic Acid; D000626:Aminopeptidases