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. However, fingerprints of the digests showed differences between the products of leukocyte elastase and pancreatic elastase. Each enzyme produced its characteristic fingerprint irrespective of whether the elastin substrate was obtained from ligament, pleura or lung parenchyma. 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.