Synthetic elastase inhibitors: prospects for use in the treatment of emphysema.

Human polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase is the enzyme primarily responsible for the destruction of lung tissue observed in pulmonary emphysema. A number of potent reversible and irreversible inhibitors have been developed for human leukocyte elastase. Several of these inhibitors have been shown to be effective at preventing emphysema in animal models of the disease. There are excellent prospects for the development of a synthetic elastase inhibitor for use in treatment of human disease.