Linear Peptides Containing d‑Leucine with Neuroprotective Activities from the Leech <i>Whitmania pigra</i> Whitman Zi-Yue Zhang Nan Ma Li-Jun Tao Xue-Ying Gong Wen-Cai Ye Lei Wang 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b00322.s001 https://acs.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Linear_Peptides_Containing_d_Leucine_with_Neuroprotective_Activities_from_the_Leech_i_Whitmania_pigra_i_Whitman/9176936 Three new linear peptides containing d-leucine, named whitmantides A–C (<b>1</b>–<b>3</b>), were isolated from the dried whole bodies of <i>Whitmania pigra</i> Whitman. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by Edman degradation, mass spectrometry, Marfey’s analysis, and solid-phase synthesis. It is the first time that peptides containing d-amino acid in leeches were discovered. Compounds <b>1</b>–<b>3</b> displayed neuroprotective activities against oxygen–glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury on Neuro-2a cells. In addition, ex vivo serum stability tests showed that <b>1</b>–<b>3</b> were resistant to protease degradation. 2019-07-30 20:29:51 vivo serum stability tests solid-phase synthesis mass spectrometry Neuroprotective Activities Neuro -2a cells d-leucine Compound injury leech peptide whitmantide Whitmania pigra Whitman Linear Peptides Containing Leech Whitmania pigra Whitman d-amino acid Marfey configuration analysis neuroprotective activities protease degradation Edman degradation deprivation