A serine proteinase hydrolyzing elastin; other e.-like enzymes have been identified ( e.g., pancreatic e. [pancreatopeptidase E] and leukocyte e. [lysosomal or neutrophil e.]) with different sequences and kinetic parameters; all have fairly broad specificities.
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elas·tase i-'las-.tās, -.tāz n an enzyme esp. of pancreatic juice that digests elastin
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elas·tase (e-lasґtās) any of a group of serine endopeptidases secreted by neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells, the pancreas, and certain bacteria; they catalyze the cleavage of elastin and other proteins, preferentially cutting polypeptide chains at bonds involving the carbonyl groups of amino acids. Elastase activity is specifically inhibited by alpha1-antitrypsin. See also leukocyte elastase and pancreatic elastase II.Medical dictionary. 2011.