Antileucoprotease in the airways and emphysema.
Antileucoprotease (ALP) is a natural occurring anti-elastase, and is produced in the epithelium of the conducting airways. It is a small protein, consisting of 107 amino-acids arranged in 2 domains. The second domain carries the antiproteolytic active site, the first is responsible for antimicrobial activity. In hamsters, intratracheal installation of ALP prevents the development of emphysema after administration of elastase. The daily production of ALP is remarkably constant, even during exacerbations of COPD. In the human lung a positive correlation was found between the number of ALP-producing bronchiolar cells and small airway's disease and emphysema. ALP is able to penetrate the alveolar-capillary membrane and has a tendency to associate with elastic fibers.
Dept of Pneumology C3-P, Academisch Ziekenhuis, Leiden, The Netherlands.
J H
JH
Dijkman
D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000201:enzymology*; D006224:Cricetinae; D006801:Humans; D019272:Leukocyte Elastase; D008168:Lung / Q000201:enzymology; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000201:enzymology; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase / Q000378:metabolism; D053491:Proteinase Inhibitory Proteins, Secretory; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015842:Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology
D053491:Proteinase Inhibitory Proteins, Secretory; D011506:Proteins; D015842:Serine Proteinase Inhibitors; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase; D019272:Leukocyte Elastase