Activation of collagenase production in a rat macrophage-like cell line.

Collagenase activity from a rat macrophage line, AK-5, has been studied. The enzyme is present in these cells and its release is stimulated by Con A, LPS and a lymphokine preparation from rat spleen cells. Collagenase activity from these cells is inhibited by EDTA, cysteine or dithiothreitol, thereby suggesting it to be similar to other mammalian collagenases.