KERATOCONUS CORNEAS - INCREASED GELATINOLYTIC ACTIVITY APPEARS AFTER MODIFICATION OF INHIBITORS

We examined the metalloproteinase activity from normal and keratoconus corneal extracts. No differences were detected in the total amount of the metalloproteinase or its physical form of activation. However, th ere was a significant elevation in enzymatic activity in the keratocon us extracts after chemical modification of inhibitory elements. This s uggests either a difference in the enzymatic capabilities of keratocon us corneas or, as suggested previously, a decrease in the amount of TI MP (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase) present in the tissue.