抄録
An enzyme, elastase (Elastase, Eisai Co., 450 ELU/Kg. b.w./day) showed the following effects on the experimentally induced atherosclerosis in rats with Vit. D2, 3.5×105 units/Kg b.w./day, for 4 days, and with atherogenic diet for 9 days, 4 and 6 weeks.
(1) Elastase activity, for sucAla3 pNA, was specifically increased in serum in 9 days.
(2) Abnormally increased, or decreased amount of elastin and collagen in the tissues (heart and aorta) were normalized to the normal range in 9 days or 4 weeks.
(3) Abnormally increased total cholesterol in the tissues (heart, aorta, kidney and liver) were lowered in 4 weeks.
(4) Abnormally increased serum total cholesterol was tend to be lowered in 6 weeks.
It may be suggested from the above findings that the externally administered elastase improved experimentally induced abnormal metabolisms of lipid and connective tissues, which may be considered to be one of the improving factors in the atherosclerosis.
