[Lysosomal enzymes of phagocytizing cells in the pathogenesis of inflammation]

General principles of lysosomal hydrolases functional activity in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages in chronic and acute inflammations are considered. Studies on granulomatous inflammation, simulated in mice liver and lung tissues after intravenous administration of zymosan granules, enabled to analyze the interrelationship between intensity of infiltration and the activity of lysosomal cathepsin D and beta-galactosidase in these tissues. Activity of cathepsin D was mainly increased within early steps of granulomas development, while beta-galactosidase was activated during maturation of macrophages. Advantages of the inflammation model developed for studies on fundamental and applied problems related to treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases are considered.