Elastase activity: The role of elastase in aortic aneurysm formation

Elastase activity was studied in aortic tissue obtained from patients with aortic aneurysm and arteriosclerotic occlusive disease. Aneurysmal tissue demonstrates significantly greater activity than the arteriosclerotic aorta and the activity is localized to the intima and inner media. Aneurysms in patients without concomitant occlusive disease are larger than those in patients with occlusive disease and show greater elastase activity. Elastase activity of the aorta may determine aneurysm formation and may inhibit development of concomitant occlusive disease.