The axonal transport of dipeptidyl aminopeptidase II, angiotensin-converting enzyme and other peptidases in rat sciatic nerves.

The axonal transport of four peptidases with different subcellular localizations were examined in rat sciatic nerves by the double ligation technique. At 2 days after ligation, rapid retrograde axonal transport of the activity of dipeptidyl aminopeptidase II (a lysosomal enzyme), angiotensin-converting enzyme and leucyl aminopeptidase (membrane-bound enzymes), was found in the segment distal to the proximal ligation. On the other hand, prolyl endopeptidase (a cytosolic enzyme) showed neither anterograde nor retrograde rapid axonal transport. These results indicate that lysosomal and membrane-bound peptidases are transported retrogradely in rat sciatic nerves.