[Lipase and cholesterol-esterase activity in the salivary gland secretions of the medical leech Hirudo medicinalis].

The lipase (triglyceridase) and cholesterol-esterase activities were detected in the salivary gland secretions of medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis). The specific activities of these enzymes were found to be equal to 8.2 +/- 0.3 and 3.1 +/- 0.2 nmol/mg of protein per hour, respectively. It was shown that the cholesterol esterase activity of the secretions is suppressed by 60% by sodium cholate.