Isolation and Characterization of Elasnin, a New Human Granulocyte Elastase Inhibitor Produced by a Strain of Streptomyces

Abstract

Elasnin, a new human granulocyte elastase inhibitor, produced by the strain of KM-2753 designated as Streptomyces noboritoensis KM-2753 has been isolated from the fermentation broth by column chromatography on silica gel and neutral alumina. Elasnin is a neutral, colorless, and viscous oil ([formula omitted] nm (e, 7,760)) having a molecular formula of C24H40O4 (MW 392) as shown by its elemental analysis and mass spectrum. Elasnin markedly inhibits human granulocyte elastase, but it is almost inactive against pancreatic elastase, chymotrypsin, and trypsin. At 1.3 μg/ml (3.3×10-6 m), elasnin is 50% inhibitory to human elastase, but it causes 50% inhibition of pancreatic elastase at 30.1 μg/ml (76.8×10-6 m). © 1978, JAPAN ANTIBIOTICS RESEARCH ASSOCIATION. All rights reserved.