Autodegradation of lysosomal cysteine proteinases.

Repeated injections of Ep-475, a potent cysteine proteinase inhibitor, into rats caused several-fold increase in the hepatic contents of the lysosomal cysteine proteinases cathepsin B, H and L and in the activities of other lysosomal hydrolases. The rates of degradation of these lysosomal enzymes, estimated by repeated injections of cycloheximide, were found to be retarded in Ep475-treated rats, indicating that lysosomal cysteine proteinases are involved in degradation of lysosomal enzymes including proteinases.