Saponins enriched in the epidermal layer of Holothuria leucospilota body wall

‐ Electron microscopy and MALDI‐IMS revealed the major compositions and the distributions of saponins inH. leucospilota body wall, particularly in the epidermis. ‐ The epidermal saponins, m/z 1,243.3 and 1,259.3 were the most abundant compounds. AbstractSaponins are secondary metabolites that provide medicinal benefits in controlling body homeostasis and metabolic functions. Sea cucumber has been consumed in many Asian countries due to their health benefits. Active chemicals found in sea cucumber include natural source of saponins which are enriched in their tissues, including the Cuvierian tubules and the body wall. Tissue origin of the saponin biosynthesis and accumulation is limitedly known. The present study is to indicate major compositions and distributions of saponins in the body wall ofHolothuria leucospilota. Structurally, their body wall consisted of the pigmented layer of the epidermis, the dermal connective tissues, and inner muscular layers. Interestingly, release of the pigmented granules from the epidermis was related to detection of epidermal saponins. Matrix ‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) revealed identical mass spectra in the saponin extracts and compared to the known compounds of holothurians. To investigate the release of epidermal saponins, the epidermis dissolved in either butanol or distilled water were anal yzed and presented the saponin masses with two prominent masses of m/z 1,243.3 (holothurin A and scab...
Source: Microscopy Research and Technique - Category: Laboratory Medicine Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research