[Protease activity and the level of antibodies to connective tissue elements in various lung diseases]

Altogether 274 patients with different pulmonary diseases were examined for the activity of trypsin and elastase of the blood and the level of their inhibitors. The concentration of antibodies to collagen and elastin was also measured. In acute chronic pneumonia or exacerbation, the activity of the enzymes increased, the concentration of antibodies to collagen and elastin rose. In acute pneumonia, the titer of antibodies to collagen and elastin persisted for 1-1.5 months, in CNPD and tuberculosis for 4-8 months.