Activity of selected enzymes in arterial wall and blood serum of rats with experimental atherosclerosis.

The activity of lysosomal hydrolases (hyaluronidase and beta-glucuronidase) as well as elastolytic activity in arterial wall and blood serum of rats with experimental atherosclerosis were determined. An increase of the enzyme activity was found in arterial wall, while in blood serum the rise of lysosomal hydrolase activity was accompanied by and unchanged level of elastolytic activity, as compared to control animals. The present studies show the participation of lysosomal enzymes and elastolytic activity in the development of atherosclerotic changes.