American Society of Hirudotherapy

The neurite-stimulating activity of components of the salivary gland secretion of the medicinal leech in cultures of sensory neurons

Neuropharmacology study published in Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology (2003)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: In vitro / laboratorySalivary PharmacologyChalisova NI et al. · Neuroscience and behavioral physiology, 2003

Abstract

The effects of components of the salivary gland secretion (proteases and protease inhibitors) of the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) on the growth of neurites of sensory neurons from chick embryos (10-11 days old) were studied in organotypic cultures. Destabilase and high-molecular-weight bdellin B, (0.01, 0.02, 0.05, and 0.1 ng/ml), bdellastasin (0.02 and 0.05 ng/ml), and eglin C (0.1 ng/ml) had neurite-stimulating effects on day 3 of cultivation of spinal ganglia. Identification of the neurite-stimulating activity of these components of medicinal leech salivary gland secretions creates the basis for creating new therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

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 termsAnimalsCells, CulturedChick EmbryoEndopeptidasesGanglia, InvertebrateInsect ProteinsLeechesMolecular WeightNerve Growth FactorNeuritesNeurons, AfferentOrgan Culture Techniques

Summary

Demonstrates that components of Hirudo medicinalis salivary secretion stimulate neurite outgrowth from cultured sensory neurons — suggests neuroregenerative potential.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study evaluated the effects of various components from the salivary gland secretion of the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis), including destabilase, bdellastasin, and eglin C, on neurite growth in organotypic cultures of chick embryo sensory neurons. The researchers found that these specific leech secretome proteins stimulated neurite outgrowth. This finding is highly relevant to ASH as it suggests potential neuroregenerative properties of the leech secretome, providing a rationale for developing new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. However, the evidence is strictly preclinical and limited to an in vitro chick embryo model, with no clinical validation or direct leech therapy application provided.

Citation

The neurite-stimulating activity of components of the salivary gland secretion of the medicinal leech in cultures of sensory neurons.

Chalisova NI et al. · Neuroscience and behavioral physiology, 2003

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.