Related Experiment Videos
Action of epsilon-aminocaproic acid on the proteolysis system during experimental influenza in mice
1I. I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Virology and Epidemiology, Odessa, U.S.S.R.
Abstract:
Proteolysis system was examined in influenza-virus-infected mice after a 5-day course of therapeutic or preventive treatments with the proteolysis inhibitor epsilon-aminocaproic acid (E-ACA). The mice were infected with nonadapted influenza virus A/Hong Kong/1/68 (H3N2). E-ACA was shown to exert a pathogenetic action expressed by a marked tendency to normalization of elevated alkaline protease activity in damaged lung tissue and in the blood of infected animals. E-ACA induced a long-lasting high level activity of acidic proteases in the blood which correlated with increased protection of animals against influenza virus infection. It may be suggested that acidic proteases are involved in the preventive action of E-ACA and are a factor of resistance to virus infection.
Insights
Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (E-ACA) treatment normalized elevated protease activity in influenza-infected mice. This proteolysis inhibitor enhanced resistance to influenza virus infection by increasing acidic protease levels.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Influenza virus infection significantly alters host proteolysis systems.
- Protease activity in lung tissue and blood is dysregulated during infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (E-ACA) on the proteolysis system in influenza virus-infected mice.
- To determine the role of E-ACA in modulating protease activity and influencing resistance to influenza infection.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected with influenza virus A/Hong Kong/1/68 (H3N2).
- Therapeutic and preventive treatments with E-ACA were administered over five days.
- Alkaline and acidic protease activities in lung tissue and blood were measured.
Main Results:
- E-ACA demonstrated a pathogenetic effect by normalizing elevated alkaline protease activity in infected mice.
- Treatment with E-ACA led to sustained high levels of acidic proteases in the blood.
- Elevated acidic protease activity correlated with increased protection against influenza virus infection.
Conclusions:
- Epsilon-aminocaproic acid influences the host proteolysis system during influenza virus infection.
- Acidic proteases appear to play a role in the protective effects of E-ACA against influenza.
- E-ACA may represent a factor in enhancing resistance to viral infections.