Effect of plant SH-protease on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte granule elastase.

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn the present study, attempts were made to examine the effects of plant SH‐protease on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte granule elastase. S‐2484 amidolytic activity in extracted solution using 0.1% Triton X‐100 was remarkably higher than in the solution without Triton X‐100. The authors confirmed the possibility that the presence of solvents such as Triton X‐100 might be required for extraction of elastase from the granule membrane. It was also confirmed that ficin and papain inhibited extraction of elastase from the granule membrane by Triton X‐100, and that SH‐protease can inhibit S‐2484 amidolytic and Congo red‐elastinolytic activities of the released elastase. However, it is not clear whether SH‐protease inhibits the release of proelastase from the granule membrane or inhibits activation of released proelastase to elastase. The authors assume that there may be competitive inhibition between SH‐protease and elastase against the substrate.