Proteolytic Enzyme Activity in the Granulation Tissue of the Human Burn Wound

A procedure for adsorbing enzymes from the human burn wound onto solid sheets of substrate is described. Using this technique, low levels of enzyme activity with chymotrypsin-like specificity can be demonstrated in the wound approximately 2 weeks after injury. This activity disappears at about 5 weeks after the burn. The enzyme activity corresponds with the clinical experience for the time course of natural loss of the burn eschar. A trypsin-like enzyme of very low level activity is present in the wound. No collagenase was detected in the human burn wound. Preliminary evidence shows an additional leucine-specific enzyme in the human burn wound. A more detailed analysis of enzymes in the human burn wound should permit the development of a useful artificial debriding agent. Presently these preparations must be used with caution.