elastase

American  

[ih-las-teys, -taz] / ɪˈlæs teɪs, -tæz /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a pancreatic protease that catalyzes the hydrolysis of elastin and other related proteins to polypeptides and amino acids.

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elastase British  

/ ɪˈlæsteɪs /

noun

1. an enzyme that digests elastin

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Etymology

Origin of elastase

First recorded in 1945–50; elast(in) + -ase

Example Sentences

In the duodenum, other enzymes—trypsin, elastase, and chymotrypsin—act on the peptides reducing them to smaller peptides.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Trypsin, elastase, and chymotrypsin break proteins into peptides.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Trypsin elastase, carboxypeptidase, and chymotrypsin are produced by the pancreas and released into the duodenum where they act on the chyme.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Sawas focused on the two abnormalities of the work-up — the inflammation of the small intestine and the low elastase.

From New York Times • Apr. 14, 2022

Inadequate amounts of elastase and other pancreatic enzymes allow fats and proteins to pass through the small intestine intact and unabsorbed.

From New York Times • Apr. 14, 2022