American Society of Hirudotherapy

Protein-lipid particles of medicinal leech salivary gland secretion; their size and morphology

Research article published in Biochemistry. Biokhimiia (2010)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Genomics & ProteomicsBaskova IP et al. · Biochemistry. Biokhimiia, 2010

Abstract

The relative location of proteins and lipids in particles of medicinal leech salivary gland secretion (SGS) is revealed for the first time. Their sizes and morphology are described. Using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, it was determined that SGS consists of particles of different sizes and form. This picture is supported by confocal laser scanning microscopy of SGS preparations treated with fluorescein isothiocyanate. After incubation with nonionic detergents (Brij 35 and Tween 20), transmission electron microscopy revealed the dissociation of fragments composing protein-lipid particles (PLP), and in this case an increase in free protein concentration determined by a modification of the Lowry method was observed. Perylene probing of lipids in SGS preparations showed that they are concentrated mainly inside PLP and are almost absent on the surface. Cholesterol was detected during SGS probing using the cholesteryl-Bodipy (hydrophobic fluorescent analog of cholesterol) on surface sections during confocal analysis of electron microphotographs of SGS. This analysis detected PLP structures in SGS resembling caveoles full of cholesterol. SGS, preliminary frozen at -70 degrees C, transformed into a multitude of similar small particles visualized by transmission electron microscopy, whose fixed distribution resembled water crystal structure.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsCholesterolHirudo medicinalisLipid MetabolismMicroscopy, ConfocalParticle SizePolyethylene GlycolsPolysorbatesSalivary GlandsSalivary Proteins and PeptidesSurface-Active Agents

Summary

The relative location of proteins and lipids in particles of medicinal leech salivary gland secretion (SGS) is revealed for the first time.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study characterized the size, morphology, and protein-lipid organization of protein-lipid particles (PLP) in medicinal leech salivary gland secretion (SGS) using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and fluorescent probing. The findings reveal that lipids are concentrated mainly inside PLP with cholesterol detected on surface sections resembling caveolae-like structures, while nonionic detergents dissociated the particles and released free protein. This is directly relevant to ASH's domain as it describes the supramolecular organization of leech salivary secretion, which may inform understanding of how bioactive molecules are packaged and delivered. However, this is a descriptive in-vitro study of collected SGS with no functional or in-vivo data, so implications for hirudotherapy remain speculative.

Citation

Protein-lipid particles of medicinal leech salivary gland secretion; their size and morphology

Baskova IP et al. · Biochemistry. Biokhimiia, 2010

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.