Promotive effect of elastase on regression of aortic atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed quails.

In order to test the anti-atherosclerotic function of elastase, 44 Japanese quails, 40 d of age, were used in this study. An atherogenic diet contained 15% corn oil and 2% cholesterol. Elaszym was orally administered at a dose of 6,000 EL units per kg body weight 3 times a week for 3 months. After 3 months feeding the atherogenic diet was discontinued. Moderate hypercholesterolemia and marked lipid-rich aortic lesions were noted in the group which was fed the atherogenic diet for 3 months. The thickened intima was composed of fibroblasts and alpha-1-anti-trypsin, S-100 protein, calmodulin and elastase were strongly demonstrated. Withdrawal of the atherogenic diet resulted in marked improvement of the serum cholesterol level, and slight reduction of the degree of the intimal thickening of the thoracic aorta. Elastase treatment after the withdrawal of atherogenic diet induced significant regression of the aortic lesions of the thoracic aorta. These results suggest that Elaszym possesses the promotive effect on regression of atherosclerotic lesions.