Collagenase and elastase in the serum of adjuvant arthritic rats.

Collagenase and elastase activities in the serum of adjuvant arthritic rats declined with time as the disease progressed and did not parallel increases in alpha 1-macroglobulin or alpha 2-acute phase globulin levels. The fall in collagenase and elastase activities was accompanied by a decline in serum alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor levels. It was concluded that the fall in collagenase and elastase activities in serum was due to inactivation by serum anti-proteases.