Abstract
The effects of pancreatic elastase on lipid metabolism in experimental atherosclerotic rats were examined by biochemical approaches. The experimental atherosclerosis (Ch group) was induced in rats by administering Vitamin D2, 400, 000 units/kg B.W./day, for 5 days and then with atherogenic diet for 6 weeks.
Elastase, 450 EL units/kg B.W./day, (Ela group) was administrated for 6 weeks.
The following results were observed:
1) Serum cholesterol level of Ela group was slightly lower than that of Ch group.
2) Cholesterol level especially cholesterol ester in aortic elastin fr. was significantly lower in the Ela group than in the Ch group.
3) Excretion of cholesterol in feces was promoted in the Ela group.
It was suggested from the result of this study that the effect of lowering cholesterol deposition on aortic elastin was caused by externally administerd elastase.
