Proteolytic inhibitors in plasma from man treated with a protease from Aspergillus oryzae.

Abstract

AbstractThe level of total, heat stable and heat labile inhibitors of a proteolytic enzyme from Aspergillus oryzae‐protease I‐have been studied in plasma from eight patients. After treatment of these patients by infusions of 150 mg of the proteolytic enzyme in 5 % levulose solution, the change in the level of the different inhibitors have been estimated. It has been shown that there is a lowering of the total inhibitors content after each infusion. This decrease is only partly compensated for by the day following the first infusion. After the forthcoming infusions the decrease is completely compensated for resulting in a level before each subsequent infusion which is lower than that before commencement of treatment. This remaning decrease can be attributed to the heat stable inhibitor. A possible mechanism for the thrombolytic effect of the protease is mentioned.