[Elastase and its inhibitors in the pathogenesis of benign ovarian tumors]

Activities of elastase and its inhibitors were studied in blood serum and tissues of patients with ovary benign tumors. Two peaks of the enzyme activation were detected during the menstrual cycle: at periovulatory period and at the second step of the cycle. In blood serum and tissues of the patients a decrease in the elastase activity was found, which was most distinct in papillary and mucinosis tumors. These alterations in the elastase activity appears to be responsible for impairments in the blood vessel wall structure, which may limit in penetration of estrogens into circulation and cause prolongation of effects of steroids on ovary tissue.