cathepsin Biochem.
(kəˈθɛpsɪn)
[ad. G. kathepsin (Willstätter & Bamann 1929, in Zeitschr. f. physiol. Chem. CLXXX. 130), f. Gr. καθέψ-ειν to boil down (ἕψειν to boil) + -in1.]
Any of various proteolytic enzymes, present in most animal tissues, which aid in autolysis of cells after death or in diseased cells.
| 1929 Chem. Abstr. 1653 The enzymes of leucocytes... For the proteinase which is active at slightly acid reaction the name cathepsin is proposed. 1963 Lancet 19 Jan. 153/1 In..the concentration of enzymes within the diseased muscle-cell..the acid phosphatases and cathepsins, both acid and alkaline, were increased. |