Sulfated polysaccharides prevent human leukocyte elastase-induced acute lung injury and emphysema in hamsters.

Studies were designed to explore the possibility that sulfated polysaccharides had the potential to prevent human leukocyte elastase (HLE)-induced lung injury. Arteparon (GAGPS), heparin, heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and dextran sulfate, but not dextran, inhibited HLE-mediated hydrolysis of succinyl-ala2-val-pNA. GAGPS, used as a paradigmatic sulfated polysaccharide, was a potent inhibitor of elastolysis in vitro. GAGPS given intratracheally prevented acute injury and emphysema in hamsters when administered up to 8 h before HLE insufflation. The results suggest that sulfated polysaccharides may be potent inhibitors of HLE-mediated lung injury.