[Pharmacokinetic study of collagenase from the king crab, Paralithodes camtschatica]

The king crab collagenase was shown to permeate through both aseptic and purulent wounds into rat circulation. The rate of enzyme permeation was higher in purulent wounds, while the enzymatic activity did not affect the rate of collagenase transport into blood. After intravenous administration the enzyme was mainly accumulated in liver and kidney, while protease was not found in the heart, spleen, lung and muscle tissues. Collagenase was rapidly eliminated from circulation and its isozymes were contained in blood not in free state, but they were bound and inactive.