On the inhibition of elastase by serum. Some distinguishing properties of alpha1-antitrypsin and alpha2-macroglobulin.

1. The influence of serum on the elastolytic and esterolytic activity of elastase has been studied. With both substrates the inhibition curves are linear. 1 ml of normal human serum inhibits the activity of 0.77 mg of pure porcine elastase. 2. Elastase binds faster with alpha2-macroglobulin (k = 3.4-10(6) M-1 S-1) than it does with alpha1-antitrypsin (k = 5-10(5) M-1 S-1). 3. The dissociation constant of the alpha-antitrypsin -elastase complex is much lower than that of the alpha2-macroglobulin-elastase complex but both complexes are very stable (Ki less than 10(-10) M). 4. Protein pi (inter-alpha-inhibitor) does not inhibit elastase.