Adv Exp Med Biol
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Comparative Study
Comparison of the elastolytic effects of human leukocyte elastase and porcine pancreatic elastase.
Porcine and bovine elastins were digested by human leukocyte elastase and porcine pancreatic elastase. The enzymes showed similarities in the extent to which they digested elastin and the pattern and quantitative distribution of N-terminal amino acids in the digests. ⋯ The enzymes also digested tropoelastin differently. The results suggest that leukocyte elastase and pancreatic elastase should not be considered interchangeable in experimental models of tissue injury.