American Society of Hirudotherapy

Hyaluronidase activity in leeches (Hirudinea)

Comparative study published in Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol (1999)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Observational studySalivary PharmacologyDrug DevelopmentHovingh P et al. · Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol, 1999

Abstract

The leech hyaluronoglucuronidase (hyaluronidase I) was identified in Erpobdellidae (Nephelopsis obscura and Erpobdella punctata) and Glossiphoniidae (Desserobdella picta) and historically described from Hirudinidae (Hirudo medicinalis). A second leech hyaluronidase (hyaluronidase II) which hydrolyzed only a few bonds to for hyaluronan oligosaccharides larger than 6500 Da, was found in Glossiphoniidae (Helobdella stagnalis, Glossiphonia complanata, Placobdella ornata, and Theromyzon sp.) and in Haemopidae (Haemopis marmorata). The distribution of the two hyaluronidases in leech occurred in both orders (Arhynchobdellida and Rhynchobdellida) and in macrophagous and haematophagous feeding types whereas the liquidosomatophagous leeches only had hyaluronidase II.

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

Publication typeComparative StudyJournal ArticleResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
Indexed MeSH termsAcetylglucosamineAnimalsCattleChromatography, PaperGlucuronidaseHyaluronic AcidHyaluronoglucosaminidaseLeechesMalePolysaccharidesSubstrate SpecificityTestis

Summary

Leech hyaluronoglucuronidase (hyaluronidase I) identified in Erpobdellidae, Glossiphoniidae and Hirudinidae; a second hyaluronidase II found in Glossiphoniidae and Haemopidae.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This comparative study biochemically characterizes the distribution and types of hyaluronidase activity—specifically hyaluronidase I and II—across various leech families, including Erpobdellidae, Glossiphoniidae, and Hirudinidae. The researchers found these enzymes, which break down hyaluronic acid, present across different leech orders and feeding types, though macrophagous and haematophagous leeches possessed both types while liquidosomatophagous leeches only had hyaluronidase II. This research is relevant to ASH as it characterizes specific enzymatic components produced by leeches. However, the study is strictly a biochemical and taxonomic survey, providing no direct clinical, therapeutic, or hirudotherapy data. It does not discuss the physiological role of these enzymes during feeding.

Citation

Hyaluronidase activity in leeches (Hirudinea).

Hovingh P et al. · Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol, 1999

DOI

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

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