Elastin and Elastase

Abstract

IN previous publications^1,2, we reported that extracts of animal pancreas made with fluids of different pH exhibit varying elastolytic activity (e.u./gm.) on account of the presence of elastase inhibitor, which in the pancreas is bound to elastase³. In crude neutral solution, the activation of elastase may be carried out by acidification, dialysis or precipitation with ammonium sulphate^1,2. In all these procedures the elastase is being liberated from elastase-inhibitor. It has been pointed out by us that two types of elastase-inhibitor exist, namely, one in the pancreas and another in the blood serum⁴. Whereas that from the pancreas dialyses in 24–32 hr. and can be demonstrated in the dialysate, that from the serum cannot be dialysed.