Effects of Elastase, Collagenase, and Papain on Structure and Function of Rat Lungs In Vitro

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Abstract

Present concepts of the roles of collagen and elastin in lung elastic behavior and maintenance of lung structure have been largely inferred from anatomical observations or from studies of isolated fibers in vitro. Based on the intimate association of elastin and collagen it has been postulated that elastin contributes little to elastic behavior and that collagen is the major determinant of lung structure. Using clostridial collagenase, pancreatic elastase, and papain we have selectively degraded these fibers and studied the resulting changes in elastic behavior and structure of rat lungs in vitro.

Authors

Waldemar G. Johanson Jr., Alan K. Pierce