Influence of Brinase on Fibrinogen: Fibrin Transition in in vitro and in vivo Studies

Abstract

The influence of brinase on fibrinogen levels, ethanol gelation test (EGT), fibrin content of lungs and kidneys (125I-fibrinogen) and brinase inhibitor capacity was investigated in the rat. The animals were either treated with i.v. infusions of brinase (4 mg/kg), tranexamic acid (AMCA) + brinase or heparin + AMCA + brinase. A control group was given i.v. saline, a reference group AMCA + thrombin. Brinase caused a decrease in fibrinogen levels and an increase in the incidence of positive EGT, deposition of fibrin was not observed. Infusion of brinase into rats with inhibited fibrinolytic system (AMCA), caused a more pronounced decrease in fibrinogen levels, a further increase in the incidence of positive EGT and also fibrin deposition in the kidneys. In rats treated with AMCA + thrombin a similar decrease in fibrinogen levels was recorded, the EGT was positive in all animals, and extensive fibrin deposits were observed in the kidneys and lungs of the animals. Heparinization before infusion of AMCA + brinase antagonized the lowering in fibrinogen levels and the increase in incidence of positive EGT and, moreover, fibrin deposits were no longer observed.