Thromb Haemost 2001; 86(03): 739-745
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1616127
In Focus
Schattauer GmbH

Plasmin Induces Local Thrombolysis without Causing Hemorrhage: A Comparison with Tissue Plasminogen Activator in the Rabbit

Victor J. Marder
1   Vascular Medicine Program, Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital/University of California, Los Angeles
,
Kyle Landskroner
2   Department of Pharmacology, Bayer Corporation, Berkeley, California
,
Valery Novokhatny
3   Department of Biochemistry, Bayer Corporation, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
,
Thomas P. Zimmerman
3   Department of Biochemistry, Bayer Corporation, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
,
Mansze Kong
1   Vascular Medicine Program, Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital/University of California, Los Angeles
,
Joel J. Kanouse
1   Vascular Medicine Program, Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital/University of California, Los Angeles
,
Gary Jesmok
2   Department of Pharmacology, Bayer Corporation, Berkeley, California
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 December 2017 (online)

Summary

The direct fibrinolytic enzyme, plasmin, was compared with tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) in rabbit models of local thrombolysis and fibrinolytic hemorrhage. Plasmin was produced by solid-phase urokinase activation of plasminogen and purified on benzamidine Sepharose. Applied as an intra-arterial infusion into the thrombosed abdominal aorta under conditions of unimpeded blood flow, plasmin (4 mg/kg) and TPA (2 mg/kg) achieved equivalent clot dissolution and flow restoration. Using the model of restricted blood flow into the thrombosed aorta, which limits local plasminogen supply, plasmin was superior to TPA in clot lysis and vascular reperfusion. Using similar dosages of plasmin (2 or 4 mg/kg) and TPA (1 or 2 mg/kg) in the earpuncture rebleed model. TPA induced rebleeding in a dose-dependent manner from prior puncture sites in 9 of 10 animals, while none of the 10 animals exposed to plasmin rebled from these sites.

These results suggest that plasmin is an effective, unique thrombolytic agent, distinguished from the plasminogen activators in current usage by its striking safety profile.

 
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