The physical properties of elastic fibers and elastolysis.

The effects of two forms of elastase on the Young's Modulus of elastic tissue have been studied. The monomeric, calcium poor form of the enzyme lowers the value of the Young's Modulus before an appreciable amount of protein is taken into solution. The polymeric, calcium rich enzyme on the other hand degrades the protein before reduction in Young's Modulus occurs. On the basis of these observations, it is confirmed that the enzyme/substrate complex in elastolysis is formed by interaction through a co-ordinately bound calcium atom and that this atom can be derived either from the substrate, where it stabilises the molecule, or from the enzyme.