Elastase-like enzyme in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Eiji Yamada*, Fumitada Hazama, Hideo Kataoka, Shigeru Amano, Masakiyo Sasahara, Kalula Kayembe, Kouichi Katayama

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

In an attempt to obtain information regarding vascular elastase in arterial hypertension, we examined biochemical changes in elastase-like enzyme activity, and the intravascular localization of elastase by immunohistochemical techniques in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the biochemical study, aortic elastase-like enzyme activity was significantly higher in SHR than in controls. Using an antibody against rat pancreatic elastase raised in the rabbit, it was demonstrated immunohistochemically that the enzyme was localized in the endothelial cells and subendothelial spaces in the aorta of control animals. In SHR, elastase was also demonstrated in medial smooth muscle cells and particularly in the modified smooth muscle cells in areas of intimai thickening. Some vacuoles in the smooth muscle cells also showed positive enzyme staining. Elastase seems to play an important role in the development of hypertensive vascular changes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)241-245
Number of pages5
JournalVirchows Archiv B Cell Pathology Including Molecular Pathology
Volume44
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1983/01

Keywords

  • Aorta
  • Elastase-like enzyme
  • Spontaneously hypertensive rats

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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