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 TechniquesOrganic ChemicalsProtease InhibitorsProteinsSalivary GlandsSerine Proteinase InhibitorsSerpins

Summary

In organotypic cultures of chick embryo sensory neurons, destabilase, high-molecular-weight bdellin B, bdellastasin and eglin C from medicinal leech salivary secretion stimulated neurite growth from spinal ganglia by day 3, suggesting a basis for new neurodegenerative-disease therapeutics.

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. 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

Reference (Vancouver style)

Chalisova NI, Pennijajnen VP, Baskova IP, Zavalova LL, Bazanova AV. The neurite-stimulating activity of components of the salivary gland secretion of the medicinal leech in cultures of sensory neurons. Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2003;33(4):411-414. doi:10.1023/a:1022812027315. PMID: 12774845

Bibliographic details (authors, volume, pages, DOI) are taken from the PubMed record.

DOIPubMed

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

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