Lysosomal Enzymes in Aortas of Species Susceptible and Resistant to Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Lysosomal enzyme activity in grossly normal aortas of species susceptible and resistant to atherosclerosis has been studied. β-Glucuronidase, cathepsin, acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase B, and cholesteryl ester hydrolase were the lysosomal-like enzymes measured. Resistant species, the rat, guinea pig and dog, showed higher total lysosomal enzyme activity than did the susceptible species, rabbit and swine. Using malate dehydrogenase as an indicator, no difference in mitochondrial enzyme activity was observed in the various species.