American Society of Hirudotherapy

Lysozyme activity of the salivary gland secretion of the medicinal leech H. verbana, H. medicinalis and H. orientalis

Basic science published in Biomed Khim (2011)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Observational studyGenomics & ProteomicsSalivary PharmacologyBaskova IP et al. · Biomeditsinskaia khimiia, 2011

Abstract

Salivary gland secretions of three species of the medicinal leech differ in the level of lysozyme peptidoglycan-lysing activity. Using the synthetic fluorogenic substrate, 4-methyl-umbelliferyl tetra N-acetyl-beta-chitotetraosid, the glycosidase activity (as one of peptidoglycan-lysing activities) of salivary gland secretion of three species of the medicinal leech was quantitatively evaluated in comparison with egg lysozyme. It is supposed, that lysozyme activity of the leech secretions is determined not only by 5 isoforms of destabilase-lysozyme, but by some other enzymes which can utilize this substrate. These may be lysozymes other than i- (invertebrate) lysozymes (such as destabilase-lysozyme, or related enzymes).

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

Publication typeComparative StudyJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsEndopeptidasesHirudo medicinalisIsoenzymesLeechesMuramidasePeptidoglycanSalivaSalivary GlandsSubstrate Specificity

Summary

Three medicinal leech species differ in salivary lysozyme peptidoglycan-lysing activity.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study quantitatively compared lysozyme peptidoglycan-lysing and glycosidase activities in salivary gland secretions of three species of the medicinal leech using a fluorogenic chitotetraoside substrate, finding interspecies differences and proposing that activity may reflect not only five isoforms of destabilase-lysozyme but also other, possibly non-i-type lysozymes. This is relevant to ASH's domain as a characterization of peptidoglycan-lysing components of leech salivary secretion across species. The caveat is that this is an in-vitro study of salivary gland secretion with no clinical data and no direct demonstration of therapeutic implications; interspecies differences may not translate to outcome differences in practice.

Citation

Lysozyme activity of the salivary gland secretion of the medicinal leech H. verbana, H. medicinalis and H. orientalis.

Baskova IP et al. · Biomeditsinskaia khimiia, 2011

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.