title: An immunomodulator used to protect young in the pouch of the Tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii.
abstract: Eugenin [pGluGlnAspTyr(SO(3))ValPheMetHisProPhe-NH(2)] has been isolated from the pouches of female Tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii) carrying young in the early lactation period. The sequence of eugenin has been determined using a combination of positive and negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry. This compound bears some structural resemblance to the mammalian neuropeptide cholecystokinin 8 [AspTyr(SO(3))MetGlyTrpMetAspPhe-NH(2)] and to the amphibian caerulein peptides [caerulein: pGluGlnAspTyr(SO(3))ThrGlyTrpMetAspPhe-NH(2)]. Eugenin has been synthesized by a route which causes only minor hydrolysis of the sulfate group when the peptide is removed from the resin support. Biological activity tests with eugenin indicate that it contracts smooth muscle at a concentration of 10(-9) M, and enhances the proliferation of splenocytes at 10(-7) M, probably via activation of CCK(2) receptors. The activity of eugenin on splenocytes suggests that it is an immunomodulator peptide which plays a role in the protection of pouch young.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Biology, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005.
authors.forename: Russell V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Baudinette
authors.forename: Pinmanee
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Boontheung
authors.forename: Ian F
authors.initials: IF
authors.lastname: Musgrave
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Wabnitz
authors.forename: Vita M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Maselli
authors.forename: Jayne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Skinner
authors.forename: Paul F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Alewood
authors.forename: Craig S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Brinkworth
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Bowie
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007614:Macropodidae / Q000276:immunology*; D013058:Mass Spectrometry
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic