The effects of polyamines (agmatine, cadaverine, putrescine, spermidin
e and spermine) on the activity of the main aminopeptidases (AP I and
AP II) from Lactobacillus sake were determined. Concentrations in the
range of 1 mM caused 6-25% inhibition of AP I except for spermine (45%
inhibition). Higher polyamine levels (5-10 mM), except for putrescine
, exerted a stronger inhibition (20-60%) on AP I. Agmatine and putresc
ine also reduced AP II activity (6-25%) at concentrations of 0.1-10 mM
while cadaverine did not have a notable effect. Spermidine and spermi
ne stimulated (15-70%) the activity of AP II at concentrations >1 mM.
Thus, control of polyamine levels is important because they are a pote
ntial hazard for human health and also because of their effects on ami
nopeptidase activity.