Effect of modified oligopeptides from the beetle Allomyrina dichotoma on Escherichia coli infection in mice.

Abstract

The novel peptides based on a putative active site of defensin, an anti-bacterial peptide from the beetle Allomyrina dichotoma, were synthesized. These synthetic oligopeptides exhibited strong anti-bacterial activity in vitro, even against antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Then, anti-bacterial activity of two newly synthesized peptides, RLYLRIGRR-NH(2) (peptide A) and RLRLRIGRR-NH(2) (peptide B) was also examined by macroscopic and histopathologic assessment during the course of infection in mice inoculated with antibiotic-resistant pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) in vivo. Peptide B decreased the mortality of mice inoculated with antibiotic-resistant pathogenic E. coli. The results of macroscopic and histopathologic examinations revealed that peptide B could protect the mice from infection. In contrast, peptide A failed to protect mice from infection with antibiotic-resistant pathogenic E. coli. Also, modified peptides A and B produced no toxicity or side effects in mice. These results suggest that peptide B is useful for developing novel antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria.

• Authors: Manabu Yamada, Kikuyasu Nakamura, Hisako Saido-Sakanaka, Ai Asaoka, Minoru Yamakawa, Toshiya Sameshima, Maki Motobu, Yoshikazu Hirota
• Journal: The Journal of veterinary medical science (J Vet Med Sci) Vol. 66 Issue 2 Pg. 137-42 (Feb 2004) ISSN: 0916-7250 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 15031540 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Defensins
• Oligopeptides

Topics

• Animals
• Coleoptera (chemistry)
• Defensins (chemistry)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Escherichia coli Infections (drug therapy)
• Immunohistochemistry
• Mice
• Oligopeptides (therapeutic use)
• Tetracycline Resistance