Elastase Inhibitors
Elastases are serine proteases that hydrolyze amides and esters. They are distinctive in their action upon elastin. Because elastin is found in highest concentrations in the elastic fibers of connective tissues, elastase is frequently used to dissociate tissues that contain extensive intercellular fiber networks. For this purpose they are used in association with other enzymes such as collagenase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Elastase is also found in blood components and this enzyme is identical to pancreatic elastase, but differs from the elastase of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The leukocyte enzyme, which is inhibited by α1-antitrypsin but not by pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, is known to mediate pathological elastolysis during acute arthritis and pulmonary emphysema.
