Distribution of the enzyme rhodanese in tissues of the cat (Felis catus)

Abstract

The enzyme rhodanese (EC 2.8.1.1) is an ubiquitous enzyme which is present in all living organisms, from bacteria to man. It is speculated that this enzyme plays a central role in cyanide detoxification. However, its wide tissue distribution suggests this enzyme might perform other functions beside cyanide detoxification. Although the distribution of rhodanese in different tissues of human and domestic animals has been studied, little is known about the pattern of distribution and physiological roles of this enzyme in the cat. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the enzyme levels and compare the distribution of this enzyme in different tissues of the cat. A selection of tissue samples was assayed for rhodanese activity. The protein content of tissue extracts and enzymatic activities were calculated as units per gram tissue and units per milligram protein of the tissue. Results showed that in terms of units per milligram protein of the tissue (specific activity of the enzyme), colon and rectum mucosal layers and testis were the richest sources of the enzyme followed by ovary, mucosal layer of jejunum and liver. With respect to units/gram tissue, liver followed by testis, colon and rectum mucosal layers, ovary and mucosa of jejunum exhibited highest activities. The results of this study will allow one to speculate on the involvement of rhodanese in several biochemical and physiological functions in different tissues and organs of this species.

Dietary resources shape the adaptive changes of cyanide detoxification function in giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

“…3 ). Enzyme activity in liver and kidney of cat determined in our study was the same as a previous report on cat 28 . Enzyme activity in liver and kidney of rabbit was also similar to that reported by Aminlari 45 .…”

“…In most animals studied so far the level of rhodanese in different tissues is correlated with levels of exposure to cyanide 12 13 21 26 and rhodanese functions in cyanide metabolism in those tissues that are apparently in direct contact with ingested cyanide 27 . Since carnivores are less likely to be exposed to cyanide through food than herbivores, they have very low levels of rhodanese in their tissues when compared with the same tissues of herbivores 12 28 .…”

The purification and some properties of rhodanese from tortoise (Kinixys erosa, Schweigger) liver

“…Its presence in the liver tissues of different animals has been demonstrated (Blumenthal and Heinrikson, 1971;Jarabak and Westley, 1974;Lee et al, 1995;Nazif et al, 2003;Agboola and Okonji, 2004;Akinsiku et al, 2009). However, its presence has also been shown in other tissues and/organs (Westley, 1981;Aminlari et al, 2007;Shahbazkia et al, 2009).…”

Comparative study of some enzymes in different varieties of fruits

“…In this study, the distribution of rhodanese in the different fruits may suggest other functions other than cyanide detoxification, for example, such function as modulation of energy production as suggested by Aussignargues et al (2012). It is believed that the primary function of rhodanese is cyanide detoxification but its wide distribution in different tissues suggests that there may be other functions, including formation of iron sulphur centre in proteins, participation in energy metabolism, a thioredoxin oxidase and detoxification of hydrogen sulphide (Shahbazkia et al, 2009). Along with inhibitors of trypsin and chymotrypsin, many plants also have proteins that act predominantly as inhibitors of microbial proteinases (Huma and Majid, 2007;Sabotic and Kos, 2012).…”