The role of leucocyte elastase in malignant tumors of the head and neck.
An elevated concentration of leucocyte elastase in the extracellular compartment leads to an inactivation of plasma proteins as well as changes in tissue structure. The presence of raised plasma elastase values in tumors of the lower respiratory tract has been well substantiated. This study was undertaken to find out whether tumors of the upper respiratory tract show a similar pattern. Elevated plasma elastase values were found in all of the three tumor groups examined (hypopharyngeal, mesopharyngeal, epipharyngeal) with respect to the control group. Thus, the investigation of leucocyte elastase using enzyme immunoassay techniques could play a significant ancillary role in the diagnosis of head and neck tumors.
Zöller
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University Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, Universitätsklinikum, Essen, West Germany.
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D004796:Clinical Enzyme Tests; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D019272:Leukocyte Elastase; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase / Q000097:blood*; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000032:analysis
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase; D019272:Leukocyte Elastase