[Detection of biliverdin reductase activity of Schistosoma japonicum].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the presence of biliverdin reductase (BR) activity in adult worms of Schistosoma japonicum in vitro.


METHODS
The soluble fraction was isolated from homogenates of adult worms of S. japonicum, and incubated with biliverdin under different pH conditions and buffers. The time dependency of this enzymatic reaction was also detected.


RESULTS
The soluble fraction of the homogenates of adult worms could degrade biliverdin in vitro, the BR activity was 43.30 nmol/(mg x min), with its optimal condition at pH 8.7. The rate of reaction peaked at 15 min of incubation for the BR activity.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of BR activity in adult worms of S. japonicum was firstly demonstrated.
Department of Parasitology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
Liu
L
Wen-qi
Li
L
Yong-long
D000818:Animals; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000378:metabolism; D001664:Biliverdine / Q000378:metabolism; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D044925:Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-CH Group Donors / Q000378:metabolism*; D011817:Rabbits; D012549:Schistosoma japonicum / Q000201:enzymology*
D044925:Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-CH Group Donors; C019789:biliverdin reductase; D001664:Biliverdine; D001663:Bilirubin