The appearance of eosinophil-directed chemotactic inhibitory factor in the serum of complete Freund's adjuvant-treated guinea pigs

When guinea pigs were treated by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), eosinophil-directed chemotactic inhibitory factor (ECIF) appeared in the serum of the treated animals. The inhibition of the response of eosinophils by ECIF was selective for the T cell-derived chemotactic factor, which has been isolated from DNP-ascaris extract-induced skin lesions (termed delayed ECF-a) but not for another ECF (termed delayed ECF-b), which was also isolated from the same skin lesions. ECIF was detected in the serum after a single CFA injection, and no significant increase of ECIF activity was observed in the serum of animals injected with CFA twice. The ECIF activity in the serum was associated with fractions of MW 70,000 and 12,500, and failed to bind to Con A-Sepharose. Furthermore, ECIF was absorbed by eosinophils but not by macrophages suggesting that eosinophils have receptor sites for ECIF. On the other hand, chemotactic inhibitor against delayed ECF-b was not detected in the serum. It was thus suggested that inhibition of eosinophil reaction by CFA treatment is related to ECIF, inhibition being selective for the eosinophil response to delayed ECF-a.     

Enzymatic properties of neuraminidases from Arthrobacter ureafaciens.

Neuraminidase I and neuraminidase II from Arthrobacter ureafaciens were characterized. As determined by gel filtration on Ultrogel AcA 44, the molecular weights of neuraminidases I and II were 51,000 and 39,000, respectively. Neuraminidases I and II were similar to each other in their enzymatic properties except for the substrate specificities towards gangliosides and erythrocyte stroma. Their optimal pHs were between 5.0 and 5.5 with N-acetylneuraminosyl-lactose or bovine submaxillary mucin as substrates, but with colominic acid as a substrate, the pH optimum was between 4.3 and 4.5. They were most active around 53 degrees C, were stable between pH 6.0 and 9.0, and were thermostable up to 50 degrees C. They did not require Ca2+ for activity and were not inhibited by EDTA. They were inhibited only slightly or not at all by p-chloromercuribenzoic acid of Hg2+. Both neuraminidases I and II were able to hydrolyze the alpha-ketosidic linkage of N-glycolylneuraminic acid as well as that of N-acetylneuraminic acid, and were able to liberate substantially all of the sialic acid from various kinds of substrates. However, they cleaved only about 50% of the sialic acid from bovine submaxillary mucin. The saponification of bovine submaxillary mucin by mild alkali treatment, on the other hand, resulted in an increased susceptibility to the neuraminidases and brought about the complete liberation of sialic acid. Remarkable differences were observed between neuraminidases I and II as regards substrate specificities on gangliosides; the initial rate of hydrolysis by neuraminidase I was 74 times, and its maximum velocity constant was 91 times those of neuraminidase II. The addition of sodium cholate markedly stimulated the enzymatic hydrolysis of gangliosides, and increased the maximum velocity constant of neuraminidase I twofold and that of neuraminidase II 143-fold. Although neuraminidases I and II were able to hydrolyze (alpha,2-3), (alpha,2-6), and (alpha,2-8) linkages, the initial rate of hydrolysis of N-acetylneuraminosyl-alpha,2-6-lactose was greater than that of the alpha,2-3-isomer.     

Binding ability of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin to the synaptosome upon treatment of various kinds of the enzymes

The binding ability of Cl. botulinum neurotoxin to synaptosomes upon treatment with various enzymes (neuraminidase, trypsin, and β-bungarotoxin containing phospholipase A₂ activity) was studied. When synaptosomes were treated with neuraminidase, their ability to bind toxin decreased; trypsin and β-bungarotoxin had slightly week or no effect. The decrease in toxin-binding ability of synaptosomes was paralleled by a release of sialic acid from the synaptosomes by the neuraminidase treatment. The toxin-binding ability of synaptosomes treated with neuraminidase was lower than untreated ones at a high concentration of sodium chloride. The binding of the toxin to synaptosomes occurred at least at the two types of structural sites, one site which contained sialic acid, and other site which was sensitive to high ionic strength. It may be possible that another binding state except these is present at the synapse.     

Cytochalasin B and the sialic acids of Ehrlich ascites cells

The effect of cytochalasin B (CB) on the electrophoretic mobility and density of ionized sialic acid groups at the surface of Ehrlich ascites cells was examined together with a biochemical assay of the total sialic acid content of treated and control cells. Sialic acid assays indicated that CB-treated cells had a greater amount of total sialic acid and sialic acid sensitive to neuraminidase than control cells/cell. Equal amounts of sialic acid were removable by neuraminidase treatment from control cells and cells pretreated with neuraminidase and subsequently cultured with CB. The electrophoresis results showed a decrease in electrophoretic mobility in the presence of CB which could be reversed by growth in CB-free medium. Neuraminidase treatment did not make a significant additional reduction in the mobility of CB-treated cells. CB also prevented the recovery of electrophoretic mobility of neuraminidase treated cells. The results suggest that while CB does not inhibit sialic acid synthesis, it does alter the expression of ionized sialic acid groups at the electrokinetic surface. CB-containing culture media could be re-utilized several times suggesting that CB is not significantly bound or metabolized by Ehrlich ascites cells.     

Intestinal neuraminidase activity of suckling rats and other mammals. Relationship to the sialic acid content of milk.

1. The neuraminidase activity of homogenates of the mucosa of the middle and distal thirds of the small intestine of rats increased about 5-fold between birth and 4 to 8 days of age, and then gradually declined to the much lower adult activity by 24 days. No comparable changes occurred in the proximal third. 2. In 8-day-old rats, the neuraminidase activity of the middle and distal thirds of the small intestine was about 10 times greater than that of the proximal third, 20 times greater than that of the colon and at least 100 times greater than that of the liver, brain, gastric mucosa or pancreas. 3. In all other species investigated (mice, rabbits, cats and guinea pigs), the neuraminidase activity of the middle and distal thirds of the small intestine was greater in suckling animals than in adults. 4. The sialic acid content of rat milk increased about 2-fold between birth and 8 days post partum and then declined. 5. There was a highly significant positive correlation between the intestinal neuraminidase activity of suckling animals of various species and ages and the sialic acid content of milk obtained from the corresponding species and stage of lactation. 6. It is suggested that the intestinal neuraminidase of suckling mammals functions primarily to remove sialic acid from various components of milk, thus providing sialic acid for the synthesis of sialoglycoproteins and gangliosides by the young.     

The serum sialyltransferase activity in alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.

alpha 1-Antitrypsin phenotypes Pi M and Z, purified by the thiol-disulfide exchange procedure, were desialylated by treatment with neuraminidase covalently coupled to Sepharose and used as acceptors of sialic acid in an assay system for serum sialic acid transferase (CMP-N-acetylneuraminate:D-galactosyl-glycoprotein N-acetylneuraminyltransferase, EC 2.4.99.1) activity. Both asialoantitrypsins were equally effective as acceptors in contrast to native Pi Z antitrypsin which did not accept any sialic acid. Serum sialyltransferase activity was determined in 38 adult alpha 1-antitrypsin deficient individuals (Pi Z, MZ, FZ, SZ) with normal liver function and was found to be of the same magnitude as the activity in normal individuals (Pi M). Equal activities were also found in 5 Pi Z patients with cirrhosis of the liver. The results strongly argue against the concept that sialyltransferase deficiency provides the molecular basis for alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.     

Egg sialoglycans increase intracellular pH and potentiate the acrosome reaction of sea urchin sperm.

Sea urchin egg jelly (EJ) triggers sperm acrosome reaction (AR), an exocytotic event required for membrane fusion of the gametes. Purified fucose sulfate polymer (FSP) in EJ is one inducer of the AR. Binding of FSP to its receptor regulates opening of two distinct calcium channels and also elevates intracellular pH (pH(i)). EJ also contains sialic acid-rich glycans (sialoglycans (SG)) that were isolated by beta-elimination followed by DEAE chromatography. In the presence of limiting amounts of FSP, the SG fraction markedly potentiates the AR; however, by itself SG has no activity. The SG fraction increases the pH(i) of sperm without increasing intracellular Ca(2+). The SG-induced increase in pH(i) is not blocked by nifedipine or high K(+), whereas the FSP-induced pH(i) increase is sensitive to both these agents. Treatment of the SG fraction with neuraminidase or mild metaperiodate that specifically cleaves the glycerol side chain of sialic acid abolishes the AR potentiation and ability of SG to elevate pH(i). These data are the first to show that there are at least two pathways to induce sperm pH(i) increase and that egg surface sialic acid plays a role in triggering the sperm AR.     

Neuraminidase in Calf Retinal Outer Segment Membranes

Abstract: An enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis of sialic acid ( N -acetylneuraminic acid: NeuNAc)-containing glycoconjugates has been found in bovine retinal rod outer segment (ROS) membranes. The enzymatic activity is optimal at pH 4.0 and is stimulated by 0.15% Triton X-100. Total activity was determined by the release of NeuNAc from endogenous and exogenous substrates (GDla). The ROS enzyme preferentially hydrolyses the ROS gangliosides, possibly because they are more accessible than the glycoproteins as substrates for the neuraminidase. Release of NeuNAc from gangliosides leads to important changes in the ganglioside patterns; whereas the amounts of GM1 increased throughout the incubation, the levels of polysialogangliosides GTlb and GD3 diminished owing to their rapid hydrolysis. The finding that gangliosides are hydrolysed more extensively than glycoproteins suggests that endogenous ROS gangliosides may be the principal source of metabolically available sialic acid in ROS. It was also observed that the activity of ROS neuraminidase is not affected by illumination of the membranes.     

Purification of the Porcine rubulavirus attachment protein by liquid isoelectric focusing

Porcine rubulavirus (PoRV) is an emerging virus responsible for meningoencephalitis, respiratory distress, and reproductive alterations in pigs. The hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) glycoprotein is the most exposed and antigenic of the virus proteins. HN plays central roles in PoRV infection; i.e., it recognizes sialic acid-containing cell receptors that mediate virus attachment and penetration; in addition, its neuraminidase (sialic acid hydrolysis) activity has been proposed to be a virulence factor. So, HN is an ideal target for therapeutic treatment and prevention of this viral infection. This work describes a simple, fast, and sensitive method to purify the active form of HN protein based on its isoelectric point. HN was purified at a pH of 4.4, at which a single protein band of 66 kDa was observed on SDS-PAGE. Pure HN showed a maximal enzymatic activity at pH 3.5 and 37 degrees C using bovine fetuin as substrate. However, it retains circa 80% of its activity at a wide temperature range from 30 to 55 degrees C. We also describe improvements of neuraminidase determination method, which permits analysis in a microplate spectrophotometer, thereby increasing the sensitivity and reducing the costs of valuable reagents and biological samples.     

The influence of lysosomes on glycogen metabolism.

Treatment of rabbit spermatozoa with 50mM-MgCl2 removes the plasma and the outer acrosomal membranes. Subsequent treatment with the detergents Hyamine 2389 and Triton X-100 solubilizes spermatozoal neuraminidase bound to the inner acrosomal membrane. The enzyme was further purified by DEAE-cellulose, Sephadex G-150 and Bio-Gel P-300 column chromato. The enzyme showed a single major band, with the possibility of some minor contaminants, on disc-gel electrophoresis. It had a specific activity of 0.37 micronmal of sialic acid released/min per mg with purified boar Cowper's-gland mucin as the substrate. The enzyme had marked specificity for 2 leads to 6'-linked sialic acid in glycoproteins. The Km of spermatozoal neuraminidase was 1.72 X 10(-6)M with Cowper's-gland mucin, 1.17 X 10(-5)M with fetuin and 8.8 X 10(-4)M with sialyl-lactose as a substrates. The Vmax. was 0.112 micronmol/min per mg with the Cowper's-gland mucin, 0.071 micronmol/min per mg with fetuin and 0.033 micronmol/min per mg with sialyl-lactose as substrate. The enzyme hydrolysed sheep submaxillary-gland mucin as readily as the Cowper's-gland mucin. The optimum of enzyme activity was at pH 5.0 on the Cowper's-gland mucin and at pH4.3 on sialyl-lactose. The enzyme activity was unaffected by 20mM-Na+ and-K+, but was inhibited by 20mM-Ca2+,-Mn2+,-Co2+ and -Cu2+. The enzyme was unstable in dilute solutions, but could be stored indefinitely freeze-dried at --20 degrees C.     

Rat serum factors inhibiting the G1-S transition in hepatocytes. II. Properties of the low molecular weight factor

The properties were investigated of low molecular weight factors acting on the G1-S transition of baby rat hepatocytes. These factors were produced by incubating adult rat serum with trypsin or a 100,000 g liver microsomal fraction, and isolated by ultrafiltration. Enzyme degradation assays indicated that the active compound was in both cases a glycopeptide sensitive to pronase and papain and to the combination of neuraminidase and beta galactosidase. No loss of hepatocyte G1-S inhibitory activity was observed after heat treatment at pH 7.0. G50 gel filtration showed that both the G1-S inhibitory factors were collected in the last fractions eluted. The elution volume was slightly larger for the trypsin than for the microsomal-induced factor, suggesting a small difference between their molecular weight. These factors are believed to be glycopeptides with a molecular weight around 1400. They might be composed of a 3-sugar polysaccharide chain with a galactose preterminal and a neuraminic acid terminal, linked to a polypeptide chain of 6 to 8 amino acids.     

Demonstration of sialic acid groups in the glomerular basement membrane of the rat with phosphotungstic acid at low pH

Summary This paper reports an unrecognized aspect of phosphotungstic acid staining at low pH. It provides an on-section staining method in which sialic acid-containing molecules can be demonstrated in the laminae rarae of the rat glomerular basement membrane. The staining in the basement membrane became negative after perfusion with the following cations: protamine sulphate, hexadimethrine, Alcian Blue, Ruthenium Red and Toluidine Blue. Blocking ws not achieved with Alcian Blue at about pH 1. The staining was also abolished after mild methylation and demethylation restored the contrast. This is suggestive of the involvement of carboxyl groups. Prior digestion with pronase, trypsin and neuraminidase rendered the laminae rarae negative, whereas hyaluronidase, chondroitinase ABC and crude heparinase were without effect. This indicates that sialic acid groups are detected by this method and that heparan sulphate does not interfere. The staining of the epithelial plasma membrane, also carrying sialic acid groups, remained positive after neuraminidase treatment. It is presumed that this method can be applied successfully for detecting changes in the sialic acid content of the laminae rarae in rat glomerular basement membranes under normal and pathological conditions.     

A fluorometric procedure for measuring the neuraminidase activity: its application to the determination of this activity in influenza and parainfluenza viruses

A fluorometric procedure for quantitating the amount of N-acetylneuraminic acid enzymatically released by the neuraminidase activity from N-acetylneuraminyl-lactose (sialyl-lactose) has been developed. The liberated lactose is hydrolyzed with beta-galactosidase, and the released galactose is oxidized with galactose dehydrogenase and NAD+; finally, the NADH produced is measured by fluorometry (excitation at 340 nm and analysis of emitted light at 465 nm). The fluorometric assay is about 10-fold more sensitive than the spectrophotometric procedure that measures NADH at 340 nm. It readily measures amounts as little as 2 nmol of sialic acid, and does not require the use of radioactive isotopes. Interferences due to sucrose or other substances, which cause errors in some cases with the use of the periodate-thiobarbiturate method for neuraminidase activity determination, are avoided. The procedure reported here provides a sensitive, rapid, and relatively simple method (feasible with commercialized reagents) for measuring the neuraminidase activity not only in purified samples from different sources but also directly in biological materials such as viruses. The technique has been tested with some viruses recently isolated belonging to Orthomyxoviridae or Paramyxoviridae families, known to be rich in neuraminidase. Reciprocally, this method can also be employed for determining the sialic acid concentration in acylneuraminyl-lactose-containing compounds when using purified neuraminidase for hydrolysis.     

Kinetic studies on the acid hydrolysis of the methyl ketoside of unsubstituted and O-acetylated N-acetylneuraminic acid

The hydrolysis of the model compound 2-O-methyl-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-N-acetyl-alpha-d-neuraminic acid and neuraminidase (Vibrio cholerae) closely resembled that of the O-acetylated sialic acid residues of rabbit Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein. This confirmed that O-acetylation was responsible for the unusually slow rate of acid hydrolysis of O-acetylated sialic acid residues observed in rabbit Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein and their resistance to hydrolysis by neuraminidase. The first-order rate constant of hydrolysis of 2-methyl-N-acetyl-alpha-d-neuraminic acid by 0.05m-H(2)SO(4) was 56-fold greater than that of 2-O-methyl-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-N-acetyl -alpha-d-neuraminic acid. Kinetic studies have shown that in the pH range 1.00-3.30, the observed rate of hydrolysis of 2-methyl-N-acetyl-alpha-d-neuraminic acid can be attributed to acid-catalysed hydrolysis of the negatively charged CO(2) (-) form of the methyl ketoside.     

Thyroglobulin interactions with thyroid plasma membranes. The existence of specific receptors and their potential role.

Thyroglobulin binds to isolated thyroid plasma membrane preparations. Binding is pH- and temperature-dependent with 10-fold better binding at pH 5.0 and 37 degrees C than at 0 degrees C and pH 6.0 through pH 7.5. Binding is, however, maximal in 90 min at all pH values and temperatures examined. Although salts can inhibit or enhance thyroglobulin binding depending on the temperature or pH, conditions approaching those of the physiological state are not inhibitory; physiological conditions do inhibit thyrotropin binding to the same membrane preparations. 125I-Labeled thyroglobulin binding is poorly reversed by unlabeled thyroglobulin at all pH values and temperatures studied; excess unlabeled thyroglobulin can, however, readily prevent binding. At pH values greater than 6.0 and at 0 degrees C, the iodine content of thyroglobulin can affect binding, and the 27 S thyroid iodoprotein is relatively ineffective in preventing the binding of the 19 S species. At pH 5.0 and 37 degrees C, there is no difference in binding of highly and less iodinated thyroglobulin, and the 27 S thyroglobulin iodoprotein is effective in preventing 19 S thyroglobulin binding. The complex nature of these results is interpreted in the light of additional data which show (i) that the thyroid membrane recognizes asialothyroglobulin and (ii) that at pH 5.0 and 37 degrees C a membrane-associated neuraminidase is activated which removes sialic acid from thyroglobulin. Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase can substitute for the endogenous neuraminidase. The receptor on thyroid membranes for asialothyroglobulin is similar to the asialoglycoprotein receptor on liver membranes (Morell, A.G., Gregoriadis, G., Scheinberg, I.H., Hickman, J., and Ashwell, G. (1971) J. Biol. Chem. 246, 1461-1467) in that sialic acid on the receptor is critical for receptor expression. It is distinct from the liver asialoglycoprotein receptor in its binding specificity and in its sensitivity to different bacterial and mammalian neuraminidase preparations. Relationships between thyroglobulin and thyrotropin receptors on thyroid membranes are explored, and the functional role of the thyroglobulin receptor is discussed.     

Inhibition of neuraminidase with neuraminic acid C-glycosides

Neuraminic (sialic) acid based alpha-C-glycosides have been synthesized and their inhibitory activity towards bacterial neuraminidase (sialidase) was examined. While some C-glycosides were found to be potent inhibitors (Ki 15-30 microM) of this neuraminidase, others afforded no measurable activity. The structure-activity relationship of these C-glycosides is discussed in the context of other previously reported sialidase inhibitors.     

The effects of neuraminidase on concanavalin a agglutination of erythrocytes: Evidence for adsorption of neuraminidase to erythrocyte membrane

Neuraminidase-treated human erythrocytes, but not untreated erythrocytes, were agglutinated by concanavalin A. The degree of concanavalin A agglutinability was not directly related to sialic acid removal by neuraminidase. While maximal sialic acid release was obtained with 5 units neuraminidase/2 × 10⁹ erythrocytes, maximal concanavalin A agglutination was only obtained after exposure to 20 units neuraminidase. Binding of ³H-concanavalin A by erythrocytes was 10-fold higher with rabbit compared to human red cells.Neuraminidase treatment of human erythrocytes caused a relative increase in ³H-concanavalin binding, but the absolute amount was still 10-fold less than that bound to rabbit erythrocytes. Specific adherence of neuraminidase to Con A-Agarose could not be demonstrated. There was no evidence for contamination of the neuraminidase preparation with proteases using a sensitive assay. These studies suggest that neuraminidase adsorbs to erythrocyte membranes and leads to concanavalin A agglutination of human erythrocytes by a mechanism other than removal of sialic acid.     

Role of sialic acid in bovine sperm-zona pellucida binding

Sperm binding activity has been detected in zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins and it is generally accepted that this activity resides in the carbohydrate moieties. In the present study we aim to identify some of the specific carbohydrate molecules involved in the bovine sperm-ZP interaction. We performed sperm binding competition assays, in vitro fecundation (IVF) in combination with different lectins, antibodies and neuraminidase digestion, and chemical and cytochemical analysis of the bovine ZP. Both MAA lectin recognising alpha-2,3-linked sialic acid and neuraminidase from Salmonella typhimurium with catalytic activity for alpha-2,3-linked sialic acid, demonstrated a high inhibitory effect on the sperm-ZP binding and oocyte penetration. These results suggest that bovine sperm-ZP binding is mediated by alpha-2,3-linked sialic acid. Experiments with trisaccharides (sialyllactose, 3'-sialyllactosamine and 6'-sialyllactosamine) and glycoproteins (fetuin and asialofetuin) corroborated this and suggest that at least the sequence Neu5Ac(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc is involved in the sperm-ZP interaction. Moreover, these results indicate the presence of a sperm plasma membrane specific protein for the sialic acid. Chemical analysis revealed that bovine ZP glycoproteins contain mainly Neu5Ac (84.5%) and Neu5GC (15.5%). These two types of sialic acid residues are probably linked to Galbeta1,4GlcNAc and GalNAc by alpha-2,3- and alpha-2,6-linkages, respectively, as demonstrated by lectin cytochemical analysis. The use of a neuraminidase inhibitor resulted in an increased number of spermatozoa bound to the ZP and penetrating the oocyte. From this last result we hypothesize that a neuraminidase from cortical granules would probably participate in the block to polyspermy by removing sialic acid from the ZP.     

Neuraminidase and hematopoietic factors from human urine

Human urinary neuraminidase, an enzyme that releases sialic acid from hematopoietic factors found in urinary preparations, was partially characterized, and a method was developed to derive these hematopoietic factors free of enzyme activity. Neuraminidase in urinary preparations from healthy humans and aplastic anemic (AA) patients had optimal activity at pH 5.3 and hydrolyzed both alpha 2----3 and alpha 2----6 type ketosidic linkages of N-acetyl-neuramin lactose and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein. When subjected to Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration, urinary neuraminidase showed a single peak of activity with an apparent molecular weight of 380,000 daltons, even under denaturing conditions (6 M guanidine hydrochloride). Furthermore, among a variety of compounds tested, no potent inhibitor of the enzyme was found. Heat treatment of AA urinary preparations eliminated about 80% of neuraminidase activity, while successive two-step ethanol precipitation eliminated residual enzyme. Erythropoietin, megakaryocyte colony-stimulating factor (CSF) and granulocyte/macrophage phage CSF activities were retained after these treatments.     

链球菌神经氨酸酶的作用机制及酶活性的测定技术

神经氨酸酶不仅存在于流感病毒,在细菌中也有分布。细菌的神经氨酸酶可裂解宿主体内糖结合物末端的神经氨酸残基,有助于细菌实现在宿主体内的定殖、穿透和扩散,是细菌重要的毒力因子之一。链球菌是自然界广泛存在的人畜共患的病原菌,在多种链球菌中均可检测出神经氨酸酶。肺炎链球菌的神经氨酸酶研究最为透彻,该菌可产生3种神经氨酸酶(NanA,NanB,NanC),NanA不但可以发挥酶的催化作用,分解唾液酸残基,暴露细菌的黏附受体,还能不依赖酶活基团,辅助细菌感染宿主细胞;NanB催化后产物可作为细菌的碳源;NanC可辅助细菌入侵脑部。在无乳链球菌和猪链球菌中,神经氨酸酶的活性一直未得到确切的验证,可能是由于它们的荚膜均含有神经氨酸,所以其神经氨酸酶的活性逐渐在进化中丧失。另外一些链球菌,例如化脓链球菌和C、G、L群链球菌,其神经氨酸酶的底物偏好相近,均对唾液类黏蛋白的催化活性较强,利于链球菌在含唾液类黏蛋白的组织中扩散。在口腔链球菌和血链球菌中,神经氨酸酶破坏血液成分中的神经氨酸链。由此可见,神经氨酸酶的特异性催化作用与链球菌在宿主体内的定植部位密切相关。此外,随着科技的发展,对神经氨酸酶的活性检测,也由早期的硫代巴比妥法,转为现在的荧光值和吸光度的测定,更为便捷和敏感。本文旨在对链球菌的神经氨酸酶的作用机制、与毒力关系及酶活测定方法等研究进展作一综述,为从事相关研究的科学工作者提供参考。