Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

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)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: In vitro / laboratoryFarmacología salivalChalisova 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

Resumen

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

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

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.

Citación

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

Contexto clínico relacionado

Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica

Salivary Gland SecretionAnti-Inflammatory MechanismsSalivary ComplexNervous SystemNeurotrophic EffectsOtolaryngology

Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026

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