Endopeptidases in the Brush Border of the Kidney Proximal Tubule

Abstract

Among the five peptidases known to be located in the microvillus membrane of the renal proximal tubule are two enzymes with endopeptidase activity. Neutral endopeptidase, a zinc-dependent enzyme, has a broad specificity comparable to that of thermolysin, and like the latter may be specifically inhibited by phosphoramidon. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV, a serine enzyme, is very sensitive to inhibition by diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate. It is also capable of endopeptidase activity, hydrolysing bonds involving the carboxyl group of proline.