title: Platelet-activating-factor-hydrolyzing phospholipase C in the salivary glands and saliva of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus.
abstract: A phospholipase C activity specific for platelet-activating factor (PAF), named PAF phosphorylcholine hydrolase, was found in the salivary glands and saliva of the human-feeding mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. The enzymatic activity was demonstrated by inhibition of PAF-induced platelet aggregation, and by identification of substrate consumption and production of diacyl glyceride by electrospray-ionisation mass spectrometry. The activity has a neutral optimal pH and an apparent molecular mass of 40-50 kDa. Two anthropophilic mosquito species, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae, do not have this salivary activity. The results are interpreted within the evolutionary context of the genera Culex, Aedes and Anopheles.
authors.affiliation: Section of Medical Entomology, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Building 4, Room 126, 4 Center Drive, MSC 0425, Bethesda, MD 20892-0425, USA. JRibeiro@NIH.gov
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Francischetti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003465:Culex / Q000201:enzymology*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D006868:Hydrolysis; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D012463:Saliva / Q000201:enzymology*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000201:enzymology*; D013045:Species Specificity; D013379:Substrate Specificity; D010738:Type C Phospholipases / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D010972:Platelet Activating Factor; D010738:Type C Phospholipases