The Rat Plasminogen System, Intrahepatic Fibrinolysis and Carbon Tetrachloride Hepatotoxicity

Abstract

SummaryCarbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity in rats is significantly reduced by small doses of orally given enzymes which activate the rat plasminogen system. Enzymes incapable of activating rat plasminogen are ineffective. The suggestion is made that the liver protection afforded by small doses of SK or trypsin relates to the pro-coagulant, permeability-decreasing, anti-edema action of suitably low doses of SK or trypsin.

The diphasic effects of proteases on serum complement

“…Large SK doses were ineffective. Carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity in rats was significantly reduced by small doses of orally given SK [8]. Large doses of SK aggravated the lesions.…”

“…These phenomena are consistent with a dose-dependent, diphasic action of proteases on suitable substrates. Phase 1 has been termed the low dose effect; phase 2 the high dose effect [8].…”