Regulation of proteolysis at the neutrophil-substrate interface by secretory leukoprotease inhibitor

Article Abstract:

Neutrophils are a class of white blood cells, or leukocytes, which are capable of destroying tissues using powerful proteases, or enzymes which break down proteins. Although blood plasma contains many substances which inhibit a variety of different proteases, these protease inhibitors are ineffective against the leukoproteases secreted by the neutrophils. Because these leukoproteases play a role in the destruction of tissues during inflammatory reactions, it is important to identify substances which might be capable of inhibiting these destructive enzymes. Such a substance has been identified in mucous secretions. Using the techniques of molecular biology, this substance has been cloned and may be produced in large quantities. This recombinant secretory leukoprotease inhibitor, or rSLPI, has been tested and found to be effective at blocking the activity of the leukoprotease enzymes in several laboratory tests. The identification of this substance and its successful cloning may result in the development of a new class of drugs for the control of inflammatory damage to tissues. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Prevention, Physiological aspects, Protease inhibitors, Inflammation, Granulocytes, Neutrophils, Leukocytes, White blood cells

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Pas de deux or more: the sulfonylurea receptor and K+ channels

Article Abstract:

The receptor has been identified for sulfonylureas, which release insulin from the pancreas and are used to treat non-insulin dependent diabetics. The receptor has been cloned and appears to belong a protein family that contains adenosine triphosphate-binding cassettes.

Research, Type 2 diabetes, Potassium channels, Sulfonylurea compounds, Sulfonylureas

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