Dietary fat induces changes in brain and peripheral tissue membrane fatty acid (FA) composition (Youdim et al. 2000). These changes are mainly due to the polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) composition of the diets. This affects membrane fluidity, eicosanoid synthesis, enzymatic activities associated to membrane, and has possible health implications (Paxinos & Watson, 1998). Aminopeptidase activities (AP) play a major role in controlling the function of neuropeptides. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of several fats used in the diet on brain AP activities.
The present data suggest that several AP involved in neuropeptide metabolism, may be modified depending on the fat used in the diet. This may have therapeutic importance in pathologies such as hypertension, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease in which, brain AP activities may be involved.
Junta De Andalucía through PAI CVI-221 and PAI CTS-438 (Acciones coordinadas) supported this work.
