Abstract

Since streptokinase and urokinase became available for clinical use, numerous attempts have been made to improve these useful thrombolytic agents. To decrease its antigenicity, streptokinase has been fragmented or coupled to human plasminogen or polyethylene glycols. With a plasmin B chain-streptokinase complex a more potent agent was obtained. To prolong their half-life, streptokinase and urokinase were immobilized with water-soluble carriers. Coupling urokinase with fibrin-specific antibodies increases its thrombolytic efficacy, at least in vitro. The only thrombolytic agents with a relative fibrin specificity available for clinical purposes are tissue-type plasminogen activator and single chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator. Mutants and hybrids of these molecules are being constructed and may further improve their fibrin specificity and therapeutic potential.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.