Keratinization of rat vaginal epithelium IV. Modulation of transglutaminase activity by oestradiol.

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Date
1988-12
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Abstract
Calcium-dependent transglutaminase activity was found to be present in vaginal homogenates from adult cycling rats. Treatment of immature or adult ovariectomized rats with oestradiol (0·1 μg/g body weight) resulted in 1·5–2-fold enhancement in the enzyme activity. Progesterone treatment (0·1 μg/g body weight) decreased the enzyme activity. Analysis of amino acids produced by proteolytic enzyme digestion of insoluble keratins from rat vaginal tissue indicated the presence of γ-glutamyl-ε-\lysine dipeptide (4 μmol/g protein) in this protein. These results suggest that oestradiol acts on vaginal tissue and induces the activity of transglutaminase. This enzyme catalyses the formation of γ-glutamyl-ε-lysine crosslinks between keratin polypeptides and thus leads to kerartization of the tissue.
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Oestradiol, keratinization, transglutaminase
Citation
Vijaysaradhi S, Gupta P D. Keratinization of rat vaginal epithelium IV. Modulation of transglutaminase activity by oestradiol. Journal of Biosciences. 1988 Dec; 13(4): 401-408.