Elastase, collagenase and the radial elastic properties of arteries

Studies were performed on 203 pairs of dog carotid arteries subjected to unidirectional radial compression. Treatment with 80 U/ml purified elastase for 90 min decreased radial stress, but treatment with 640 U/ml collagenase for 90 min did not. These data suggest that elastin, but not collagen, contributes to wall resistance to radial compression.