[Lytic effect of elastase and the granular fraction of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the gingival tissue. Biochemical study].

Gingival biopsies were divided in two groups according to their degree of gingival inflammation. They were frozen, sectioned in a cryostat and lyophilized. They were then incubated for 24 hours in the presence of increasing amounts of granular fraction or elastase from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The concentrations of hydroxyproline and uronic acid were measured in the supernates. The results show, on one side, an increasing liberation of hydroxyproline in the presence of increasing enzyme concentrations and, on the other side, a greater liberation of hydroxyproline from inflamed as compared to sound gingiva.