Elastase
Elastase
Elastase (/ɪˈlæsteɪz/) is a type of enzyme that breaks down elastin, a key protein in connective tissues. It is part of the serine protease family of enzymes, which play a crucial role in digestion and other bodily processes.
Etymology
The term "elastase" is derived from "elastin," the protein it breaks down, and "-ase," a suffix used in biochemistry to denote enzymes.
Function
Elastase is produced in the pancreas and works in the small intestine to aid in the digestion of proteins. It can also be found in neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, where it helps to destroy bacteria and other foreign substances.
Related Terms
- Elastin: A protein that allows tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting.
- Serine protease: A type of enzyme that cuts peptide bonds in proteins.
- Pancreas: A glandular organ in the digestive system and endocrine system of vertebrates.
- Neutrophils: A type of white blood cell that is one of the first cell types to travel to the site of an infection.
Health Implications
Elevated levels of elastase can indicate a condition called pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. In cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system, the body produces an abnormal amount of thick and sticky mucus that can block the release of elastase and other digestive enzymes from the pancreas.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Elastase
- Wikipedia's article - Elastase
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