Proteaseaktivität im Tracheobronchialsekret von Pferden mit COPD: Pathophysiologische Bedeutung

Proteaseaktivität im Tracheobronchialsekret von Pferden mit COPD: Pathophysiologische Bedeutung

Protease activity in tracheobronchial secretions of horses with COPD and its relevance for pathogenesis

Grünig G, Hermann M, Jorisch S, Schärer C, von Fellenberg R

DOI: 10.21836/PEM19850106
Jahr: 1985
Volume: 1
Ausgabe: 1
Seiten: 55-63

Protease activity was determined in tracheobronchial secretions of horses with COPD. The results were compared with the severity of the clinical symptoms and with the cell content of the secretions. Protease activity was found more frequently in aspirates of horses with severe COPD. Protease activity was also correlated with the amount of neutrophils in the secretions. The increased number of neutrophils in aspirates of severely affected horses was in most cases not related to bacterial infections. Elastase activity, however, could never be demonstrated in tracheobronchial secretions. No interdependency between protease activity and the content of protease producing microorganisms in tracheobronchial secretions could be observed. Therefore it is assumed that the protease activity is of endogenous origin. However, it is unlikely that the protease(s) originates from neutrophils, since inhibitory activity for neutrophil proteases was found simultaneously with protease activity in bronchial secretions. It is conceivable that the protease(s) produces chemotactic activity for neutrophils and that neutrophils could represent effector cells of immune reactions.