Open AccessChanges in proteoglycan biosynthesis following leukocyte elastase treatment of bovine articular cartilage in culture
Author(s) -
Bartholomew Jennifer S.,
Lowther Dennis A.,
Handley Christopher J.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780270810
Subject(s) - proteoglycan , cartilage , elastase , arthritis , articular cartilage , neutrophil elastase , chemistry , biosynthesis , synovial fluid , immunology , aggrecan , osteoarthritis , biochemistry , medicine , pathology , enzyme , inflammation , anatomy , alternative medicine
Treatment of bovine articular cartilage in culture with a low molecular weight elastase purified from rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes resulted in degradation and release of proteoglycans from the tissue, coupled with a prolonged inhibition of proteoglycan biosynthesis. These observations are consistent with those seen in experimental arthritis induced in rabbits. Comparison of the size of the proteoglycan degradation products extracted from elastase‐treated cartilage in culture with that from arthritic cartilage showed marked similarities. The results strongly suggest that leukocyte elastase is a contributing factor in proteoglycan degradation and inhibition of synthesis in inflammatory joint disease.