[Enzymological bases of the physiological action of regulatory peptides]

Abstract

The examination of enzymes involved in the neuropeptides metabolism shows that the same substance can be hydrolysed by different peptidases. At the same time each of these enzymes can take part in destruction of different in their structure and functional significance peptides. The analysis of the conditions ensuring selective, regulating action of the definite neuropeptidases in the process of peptides formation and destruction is necessary for the understanding of the regulatory peptides physiological role. Substrate specificity of the enzyme, its localisation in some tissues and organs in brain and periphery, the organisation of enzyme or enzymatic complexes in a cell, the specific inhibitors influence are considered as such conditions. These conditions are examined for a number of peptidases involved in enkephalin metabolism, angiotensin I and II, bradykinin, substance P and others. The significance of such enzymologic approach in the investigation of regulatory peptides function is illustrated by concrete examples.