Bramucci M, Quassinti L, Maccari E, Murri O, Amici D. Seasonal changes in angiotensin converting enzyme activity in male and female frogs (Rana esculenta).
Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2004;
137:605-10. [PMID:
15123197 DOI:
10.1016/j.cbpb.2003.12.001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2003] [Revised: 11/19/2003] [Accepted: 11/20/2003] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Gonad, lung, kidney and serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activities were determined by specific substrate hydrolysis in male and female Rana esculenta over 1 year. Ovary ACE activity showed the highest values among the different tissues, with a significant peak (223+/-52 nmol min(-1) mg protein(-1)) in late winter-early spring. Testis ACE activity followed a significant seasonal cycle, increasing from September to peak in April (2.5+/-0.8 nmol min(-1) mg protein(-1)) and then decreased in the post-reproductive period. Lung and kidney ACE activities were not correlated with the annual reproductive cycle phases. In serum a peak of activity was present in the post-reproductive period both in male and female frogs. The present data show a correlation between ACE and the annual reproductive cycle of R. esculenta.
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