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An immunomodulator used to protect young in the pouch of the Tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii
Author(s) -
Baudinette Russell V.,
Boontheung Pinmanee,
Musgrave Ian F.,
Wabnitz Paul A.,
Maselli Vita M.,
Skinner Jayne,
Alewood Paul F.,
Brinkworth Craig S.,
Bowie John H.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2004.04483.x
Subject(s) - tammar wallaby , macropus , peptide , cholecystokinin , biology , gastrin , neuropeptide , receptor , biochemistry , marsupial , zoology , secretion
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.