[Effects of elastase on experimentally induced aneurysms in rats]

The purpose is to study the potentiality of Elastase in preventing the development of experimentally induced aneurysms in rats. 64 Sprague-Dawly male rats of 5 months age were used. Unilateral common carotid artery ligation was done to effect hemodynamic changes in intracranial vessels. Posterior renal artery was ligated to induce hypertension which was further augmented by feeding with 1% saline and 0.1% BAPN, separately and in combination. The rats were divided into two equal groups of 32 and 32. The second group was in addition treated with intra-muscular injection of Elastase at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for 6 days in a week. The rats were sacrificed at the end of 18 weeks to study the development of intracranial aneurysm and the effect of Elastase. There were 5 aneurysms in the first group comparing with 2 aneurysms in second group. The histopathology showed thickening of the intima and breakdown of elastic lamina at the site of the aneurysm. The effect of Elastase on these pathological changes is discussed.