Elastoproteinase and Elastomucases: The Effect of Age on the Enzyme Content in Human Pancreas

Abstract

The influence of age on the content of elastoproteinase and of the elastomucases Em-I and Em-S was studied in pancreas of necropsied individuals. Considerable changes in the enzyme concentrations were observed in males between 20 and 40 yr. of age and in females during menopause. The hypothesis that in the aging elastic tissue and in various diseases the enzymes of the elastase complex may play a dominant role was discussed. Since in the latter connection the ratio enzyme/enzyme inhibitor in the circulation is very important, some data reported in the literature about the relation-shop between age and the content of elastoproteinase and of its inhibitor in serum were given. The sex differences may be related to the hormonal influence on the enzymes and their inhibitors both in pancreas and in blood as was found in animal experiments and in pregnant women.