Detection and characterization of Fosfolipase A2 (PLA2) in Caiman latirostris and Caiman yacare plasma

Abstract

Reptiles proved to have a versatile and efficient nonspecific immune system adapted to the environment where they commonly live. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is important hydrolytic enzyme involved in the regulation of specific types of messengers with significant roles in the innate immune response. A number of agents that exert effects on cellular receptors emit a series of signals leading to an increased activity of PLA2. Phospholipase A2 has been identified and characterized in temperature, plasma concentration and kinetic dependence in two species of caiman. The results of these studies suggest that the high PLA2 activities exhibit in caiman plasma may be an important component of a well-developed innate immunity. Based in the knowledge of their properties, this powerful immunologic component should be evaluated as a possible application in the veterinary or even human therapeutic industry. Besides, it is another reason to consider these animals as excellent models to study immune phylogenetic mechanisms.