Isolation and Characterization of Epidermal Mucus from Hirudo nipponia

The epidermal organ of the leech contains a complex glycoprotein molecule of mucus. The mucus excreted from annelids plays Significant role in protection against desiccation and parasites. Mucus from the Korean native leech, H. nipponia, was investigated for biochemical characteristics for possible development of biomaterials of cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents. The leech skin mucus was heavily glycosylated mucin-like protein with a high molecular weight comprised 80% carbohydrate and 20% protein. Threonine, serine, and glycine were the major components of the isolated protein and these accounted for 50% of total amino acids. The carbohydrate portion contained glucosamine, galactosamine. galactose, glucose. mannose and sialic acid in oligosaccharide form linked with threonine and serine residues of the glycoprotein.