Endogenous inhibitors of snake venom phospholipases A(2) in the blood plasma of snakes [Review]

摘要

Phospholipases A_2 (PLA_2s, E.C., 3.1.1.4.) are esterolytic enzymes which catalyze the hydrolysis of phosphoglycerides at the sn-2-position of the glycerol backbone, releasing lysophospholipids and free fatty acids. They constitute a rapid growing superfamily of molecularly distinct enzymes, involved in a variety of biological processes such as homeostasis of cellular membranes, lipid digestion and mediator production, host defense and signal transduction (Valentin and Lambeau, 2000). These enzymes also display a variety of toxic effects in their role as widespread components of snake and insect venoms.