Recombinant Canavalia ensiformis Urease, partial

Urea hydrolase involved in nitrogen recycling from ureide, purine, and arginine catabolism. Is known to be highly toxic and lethal when given by intravenous route, producing convulsions and other signs of central nervous system intoxication associated with the high levels of ammonia formed in the blood of mice and rabbits. Is neurotoxic in mammals, when directly injected into hippocampus. It may induce seizures by acting at a neuronal network level, thereby disturbing electroencephalographic rhythms and causing metabolic alterations in key areas related to epileptogenesis and to neurogenic pulmonary edema. It increases calcium influx and neuronal firing rate in the hippocampus. Is able to insert itself into lipid bilayers, altering physicochemical properties of artificial membranes, and forming cation-selective ion channels. In vitro, has the ability to induce platelet aggregation, platelet granules secretion and release of ATP. In contrast to canatoxin, another urease from C.ensiformis, is not lethal to mice when intraperitoneally injected.