Elastase activity in capillary and aortic endothelial cells.

Tissue cultured bovine capillary and aortic endothelial cells were examined for cellular and secreted proteinase activity. Cell-lysates from both sources showed significant elastase activity but differed in the level of activity and the pH-optimum and inhibition profile. Secretion of elastase was only detected using aortic cells. Tumour angiogenesis factor (TAF), heparin or 12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-acetate (TPA) had no effect on the levels of cell-associated or secreted elastase.