EFFECT OF PANCREATOPEPTIDASE E (ELASTASE) ON ANASTOMOTIC INTIMAL HYPERPLASIA IN THE VASUCULAR PROSTHESIS

Abstract

Effect of elastase on pseudointimal hyperplasia in the vascular prosthesis was investigated. After EPTFE grafts or Double velour grafts (2cm length) was implanted in canine abdominal aorta, elastase (8mg/kg/day) was orally administered for 4 months. Each graft was removed 4 month after surgery. Elastase suppressed progression of pseudointimal hyperplasia in the EPTFE grafts. While, Double velour grafts did not demonstrate obvious pharmacological effect of elastase. It was concluded that elastase was effective drug for supression of pseudointimal hyperplasia on anastmotic site of EPTFE graft.