Aminopeptidase, intestinal, effect

There are at least three peptidases in the brush border of the small intestine Aminopeptidase A, which has an affinity for peptide-bound acid amino acids (11), aminopeptidase N, which has a broad specificity (12), and dipeptidylpeptidase IV, which releases dipeptides from the N-terminal end of peptides with a preference for X-PRO terminals (13). In Table III are shown the effect of a low concentration ofThe LMW fraction on the activity of these enzymes in extracts of hog intestine. Aminopeptidase N was found to be strongly inhibited by 0.25 mg/ml of the fraction. Aminopeptidase A and dipeptidylpeptidase IV were not inhibited. 

Aminopeptidases are present in many tissues (Table III). Leucine aminopeptidase from intestinal mucosa is very effective in catalyzing the hydrolysis of leucine from the amino terminus of peptides, polypeptides, and proteins. It also hydrolyzes leucine amide and leucine esters (10). The designation leucine aminopeptidase is somewhat of a misnomer because activity is also observed when other amino acids replace leucine. Only the L-isomers of amino acids are substrates, and the presence of a D-amino acid residue or proline in the penultimate position will retard hydrolysis (10). Enzymes having the same specificity as the intestinal aminopeptidase have been identified and/or isolated from kidney, pancreas, muscle, lens, and various bacterial sources (10). The kidney... 

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