Type-specific collagen degradation by eosinophils

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Abstract
Despite the association of eosinophils with wound-healing and fibrotic processes, their collagenolytic ability was poorly defined. By using highly purified eosinophil preparations (> 95% eosinophils) obtained from guinea-pigs by peritoneal lavage, type-specific collagen degradation by eosinophils was examined using sensitive detection methods. Eosinophils contain a metalloprotein that degrades types I and III collagens. This activity was apparent only after the addition of 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate to the reaction mixture, a finding similar to that for latent collagenases described from other sources. No collagenolytic activity against types IV and V collagens could be detected. Eosinophils may play a role in the alterations in connective-tissue matrices seen in physiological and pathological states.