Abstract
The relationship between reduction and oxidation in the hydrolytic as -well as synthetic reaction by pancreatic lipase and pro-lipase has been studied; the results are summarised as follows.
1. The hydrolytic reaction is augmented by reduction and retarded by oxidation, while the synthetic reaction is augmented by oxidation and retarded by reduction.
2. In the hydrolytic or the synthetic reaction the augmentation is not proportional with the rise of reduction and oxidation, but there exists an optimal redox potential respectively.
3. Pro-lipase itself has a considerable action of synthesis but of no hydrolysis and the latter action is revived by reduced glutathione or nascent hydrogen gas.
4. The hydrolysis seems to proceed more intensely in the medium deprived of oxygen gas, whereas its presence seems favourable for the synthetic reaction.
5. The effect of protein on the lipolytic action of lipase is much concerned with the reducing activity of protein molecule.
6. The calcium ion augments the lipolytic action of lipase and retards the synthetic action. A plausible explanation for this effect of calcium ion has been given.
The authors are greatly indebted to Prof. K. Kodama for his kind criticisms and suggestions throughout this research.
