The mucosal defence capacity against proteolytic leukocyte enzymes.

Antileukoprotease is an important inhibitor of leukocyte elastase and seems to be the primary defence factor against elastase in the respiratory tract. The circulating level of antileukoprotease increases in inflammatory diseases and seems to be related to the degree of inflammation of the lung parenchyma. Antileukoprotease cannot be included among the general acute phase reactants as it does not increase in connection with surgical trauma.