Enzymatic synthesis of astaxanthin n-octanoic acid esters.

We examined the enzymatic synthesis of astaxanthin n-octanoic acid esters. Carriers for the immobilized enzyme and reaction conditions such as water content, reaction temperature, and time were examined using Candida cylindracea lipase (Lipase OF). Lipase OF) immobilized by a hydrophobic anion exchange resin (10% w/w content of lipase) gave the best yield in the esterification reaction of astaxanthin.

Role of mast cell chymase in allergen-induced biphasic skin reaction.

Intradermal injection of human chymase (EC 3.4.21.

Chymase participates in chronic dermatitis by inducing eosinophil infiltration.

An epicutaneous application of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) to a mouse ear caused a transient skin swelling, and the repetition of the challenge enlarged the contact dermatitis. The repeated challenge with DNFB also induced eosinophil infiltration on the application site. Administration of a chymase inhibitor significantly inhibited the ear swelling as well as eosinophil accumulation.

Mast cell chymase regulates dermal mast cell number in mice.

Chymase inhibitor reduced the increase in the number of dermal mast cells in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced dermatitis in a dose-dependent manner. Intradermal injection of human chymase to mouse ear significantly increased histamine content, the marker for mast cell number in the skin. These results suggest that chymase released by mast cells may participate in local mast cell accumulation in a positive feedback fashion.