Immunologic identification of elastin-derived peptides in the serums of dogs with experimental emphysema.

Pulmonary emphysema is a disease in which peptides formed by the enzymatic degradation of the amorphous component of interstitial elastin may be release from the lung. In order to provide a test that can monitor the destruction of lung elastin invivo, we developed a hemagglutination inhibiton assay that specifically and quantitatively measure elastin-derived peptides in serum. Using this method, was measured the concentration of elastin-derived peptides in the serums of dogs developing emphysema through the administration of porcine pancreatic elastase. Elastin-derived peptides could be detected in the serums for a period of 12 days after the administration of a single 25- or 50-mg dose of elastase, and for at least 40 days after a 100-mg dose. There was a good correlation between the maximal concentration of elastin derived peptides found in the serums and the amount of elastase administered to the animal. This immunologic method may be useful in following the progression of experiment emphysema.