Production of collagenase by mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro. Characterization of sites of cleavage of tropocollagen.

Macrophages from mineral oil-stimulated mice produce collagenase at a constant rate over several days in culture. Phagocytosis of latex does not increase production of enzyme. Gel electrophoretic and electron microscopic analyses indicate that the specificity of the macrophage enzyme is similar to that of other previously characterized mammalian collagenases.