Elastase from Aspergillus fumigatus. Its Pathogenetic Role and Inhibitor.:Its Pathogenetic Role and Inhibitor

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An elastase was isolated from Aspergillus fumigatus by four step column chromatography. This enzyme had a molecular weight of 32, 000Da, optimum temperature of 37°C, and optimum pH of 8.0; collagenase activity was also detected. We infused the enzyme into the trachea of a guinea pig and observed pathological changes in the lung. Strong changes, in which many inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, fibrine-like substances, and erythrocytes filling the alveoli were observed, causing presentation of a hemorrhagic pneumonia.Next, we studied the possibility of clinically applying the fungus in treatment by inhibiting its enzyme activity. Ulinastatin, a strong inhibitor against various pancreatic enzymes and human neutrophil elastase, is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of about 67, 000Da, and was separated from human urine and purified. The elastase activity from Aspergillus fumigatus was inhibited by this enzyme inhibitor. Thus, Ulinastatin was administered by intravenous drip infusion concomitantly with antifungal agents and hemostatics to patients of pulmonary aspergillosis.The early disappearance of hemosputum and hemoptysis was seen in 11 out of 23 episodes in 14 patients. The treatment had no related side effects, and thus was considered valuable.
日本医真菌学会の論文