Linear Peptides Containing d-Leucine with Neuroprotective Activities from the Leech Whitmania pigra Whitman

Three new linear peptides containing d-leucine, named whitmantides A-C (1-3), were isolated from the dried whole bodies of Whitmania pigra Whitman. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by Edman degradation, mass spectrometry, Marfey's analysis, and solid-phase synthesis. It is the first time that peptides containing d-amino acid in leeches were discovered. Compounds 1-3 displayed neuroprotective activities against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury on Neuro-2a cells. In addition, ex vivo serum stability tests showed that 1-3 were resistant to protease degradation.

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

Whitmantides A-C, three new d-leucine-containing linear peptides from dried Whitmania pigra whole bodies, are the first d-amino-acid peptides discovered in leeches; all three protected Neuro-2a cells from oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury and resisted serum protease degradation.

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