Increased Activity of Lysosomal Enzymes in Experimental Atherosclerosis, and the Effect of Cortisone

Four hydrolytic enzymes present in lysosomes, beta-glucuronidase, acid phosphatase, cathepsin, and aryl sulfatase were studied in the aortas of rabbits with cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis. Each of the enzymes showed a marked increase in activity. It was found in agreement with others that addition of cortisone to the atherogenic diet inhibits the atherosclerosis despite very high levels of serum cholesterol. In the aortas of the cortisone-treated rabbits, the four lysosomal enzymes showed no increases in activity.