Elastin Decreases the Efficiency of Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitors

Elastase inhibitors are potential drugs for the control of lung emphysema. Since neutrophils may release elastase in the lung interstitium, elastin and inhibitors may complete locally for the binding of enzyme. To better evaluate the potential activity of antielastases, we have run experiments that mimic this in vivo competition. Elastase was added to mixtures of human lung elastin and inhibitor, and the solubilization of the fibrous substrate...