Leucine aminopeptidase in the gastric muscosa of the adrenalectomized rat.

The effect of adrenalectomy on the gastric mucosa of the rat was studied by histochemical means. In the normal rat leucine aminopeptidase activity was relatively strong, particularly in the basal parts of the gastric glands. In the adrcnalectomized animals activity was markedly decreased. It appears probable that leucine aminopeptidase is connected with the synthesis of pepsin in gastric glands, because it seems likely that this enzyme has a role in protein synthesis in tissues. In this instance the result agrees with observations made previously in a number of experimental and clinical studies.