[Effect of the protease inhibitor aprotinin on pulmonary function and on the inhibitory activity of sputum in patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis].

It has been investigated whether a substitution of protease inhibitor deficiency is indicated in case of chronic obstructive airway disease. As a therapeutic possibility, apronitin isolated from bovine organs (tyasylol), which in vitro inhibits sputum proteases up to 80 per cent was tested. Besides infusion, inhalation was chosen for application by which a protease inhibition could be attained. We observed an inhibition of the course of illness associated with a good tolerance of the preparation. Whether a therapy applying the addition of protease inhibitor is reasonable in the long run in chronic diseases cannot yet be concluded from these investigations.