Purification and characterization of bioactive peptides from skin extracts of Rana esculenta.

M Simmaco, D De Biase, C Severini, M Aita, G F Erspamer, D Barra, F Bossa

Index: Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1033 , 318-323, (1990)

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Abstract

The peptide fraction extracted by methanol from the skin of Rana esculenta, a species widely distributed in Western Europe, was investigated. The pharmacological activity found in the extract is attributable to the presence of authentic bradykinin, together with a shorter, partially active version of this molecule, des-Arg9-bradykinin. Also the bradykinin fragment 1-7 has been isolated, but it was inactive in our bioassay system. Moreover, a family of hydrophobic peptides has been purified and characterized, which appeared devoid of pharmacological activities when tested on smooth muscle preparations, but were provided with hemolytic activities.