Presence of chitinase enzymes in crocodilians

SIROSKI, PABLO A.; POLETTA, GISELA L.; PARACHÚ MARCÓ MA. VIRGINIA; ORTEGA, HUGO H.; MERCHANT, MARK E.

ACTA HERPETOLOGICA

FIRENZE UNIV PRESS

Lugar: Florencia; Año: 2014 vol. 9 p. 139 - 146

1827-9635

. Chitin is an abundant bio-polymer present as a structural component of many species such as arthropods, nematodes, mollusks, insects, and fungi, among others. Chitinolytic enzymes are synthesized for organisms to defend themselves against chitin-containing pathogens. Chitotriosidase (CHT) is a chitinase enzyme and one of the main proteins secreted by activated macrophages. It plays an important role in mechanisms of immunity which by hydrolyses hydrolyzing chitin and, thus protects protecting against chitin-containing pathogens. In this study, CHT was detected in Caiman latirostris plasma, and characterized under laboratory controlled conditions such asof different temperature, reaction time, plasma concentration, pH and salinity. The interesting results found might suggest that caimans have an efficient and well well-developed immune system that resists the attacks of some pathogens. Based on the current knowledge about concerning CHT the properties and homologies of CHT, it should be highly valuable to evaluate them as a possible therapeutic application in the veterinary and even human industry clinical setting.