Generation of activated protein-C during thrombolysis

Academic Article
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publication date

  • 1993

abstract

  • The observation that urokinase infusion increases circulating levels of the anticoagulant activated protein C (APC) in baboons implies that APC might be elevated during thrombolytic therapy. Patients undergoing coronary thrombolysis showed an 11-fold increase (means from 6 to 69 micrograms/L) in APC during infusion of streptokinase. Thrombolytic therapy thus generates at least two potent antithrombotic factors in the circulation--the fibrinolytic enzyme, plasmin, and the anticoagulant enzyme, APC. APC may help prevent reocclusion during or after thrombolysis.