INVESTIGADORES
ORTEGA Hugo Hector
artículos
Título:
Presence of chitinase enzymes in crocodilians
Autor/es:
SIROSKI, PA; POLETTA, G.L; PARACHÚ MARCÓ, MV; ORTEGA HH; MERCHANT, M
Revista:
ACTA HERPETOLOGICA
Editorial:
FIRENZE UNIV PRESS
Referencias:
Año: 2014 vol. 9 p. 139 - 146
ISSN:
1827-9635
Resumen:
Chitin is an abundant bio-polymer present as a structural component of many organisms such as arthropods,nematodes, mollusks, insects, and fungi, among others. Chitinolytic enzymes are synthesized for organisms todefend themselves against chitin-containing pathogens. Chitotriosidase (CHT) is a chitinase enzyme and one of themain proteins secreted by activated macrophages. It plays an important role in mechanisms of immunity by hydrolyzingchitin, thus protecting against chitin-containing pathogens. In this study, CHT was detected in Caiman latirostrisplasma, and characterized under laboratory controlled conditions of temperature, reaction time, plasma concentration,pH and salinity. The results complement other immunological studies performed in caimans and demonstratethat they possess an efficient and well-developed immune system that resists the attack of some pathogens. Based onthe current knowledge of the properties and homologies of CHT, it would be highly valuable to evaluate its possibletherapeutic application in the veterinary clinical setting.
