Elastinolytic activity in the rat aortic smooth muscle cells in culture

Elastinolytic activity was examined in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells, using Congo Red elastin as a substrate. Elastinolytic activity was demonstrated in the soluble fraction of sonicated smooth muscle cells, with an optimal pH around 10.0. The soluble fraction also showed elastase-like esterolytic activity against the synthetic substrate, N-succinyl-trialanyl-paranitroanilide.