PROTEASE INHIBITORS ANTAGONIZE THE ACTIVATION OF POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTE OXYGEN-CONSUMPTION

We report that the burst of oxygen consumption, as well as the resultant production of O2-• and H2O2, occurring in activated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes is inhibited by various compounds which have in common the ability to antagonize the effects of proteolytic enzymes. This effect of protease inhibitors was observed with a variety of stimuli, both phagocytic and non-phagocytic, used to activate O2-• production in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Inhibition was also noted in rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes and alveolar macrophages. The results indicate that proteolysis may be involved in activating the burst of oxygen consumption following stimulation of phagocytic cells. © 1979.