TRIBUTYROYLGLYCEROL HYDROLASE ACTIVITY IN CARICA-PAPAYA AND OTHER LATTICES

Lipase activity (measured with tributyrin 'as substrate) was detected for the first time in fresh latex of branched non-articulated laticifers of Euphorbia characias, Asclepias curassavica and A. serilofera. Activity was also detected in spray-dried latex from anastomosing articulated laticifers of Carica papaya. The lipolytic activity of all the latices was associated with sedimentable particles. Attempts to solubilize the enzymatic activity from particulate fractions of Carica papya latex were unsuccessful. The esterase inhibitors phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride or benzamidine had no effect on the lipase activity. The enzyme in Carica papya latex shows greatest activity with tributyrin and is stable in non-water-miscible organic solvents.