[Detection of biliverdin reductase activity of Schistosoma japonicum].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the presence of biliverdin reductase (BR) activity in adult worms of Schistosoma japonicum in vitro. METHODS: The soluble fraction was isolated from homogenates of adult worms of S. japonicum, and incubated with biliverdin under different pH conditions and buffers. The time dependency of this enzymatic reaction was also detected. RESULTS: The soluble fraction of the homogenates of adult worms could degrade biliverdin in vitro, the BR activity was 43.30 nmol/(mg x min), with its optimal condition at pH 8.7. The rate of reaction peaked at 15 min of incubation for the BR activity. CONCLUSION: The presence of BR activity in adult worms of S. japonicum was firstly demonstrated.