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Evidence that both exosites on thrombin participate in its high affinity interaction with fibrin.

Exosite 1 on thrombin mediates low affinity binding to sites on the NH2 termini of the alpha- and beta-chains of fibrin. A subpopulation of fibrin molecules (gammaA/gamma'-fibrin) has an alternate COOH terminus of the normal gamma-chain (gammaA/gammaA-fibrin) that binds thrombin with high affinity. To determine the roles of exosites 1 and 2 in the high affinity interaction of thrombin with gammaA/gamma'-fibrin, binding studies were done with thrombin variants and exosite 1- or 2-directed ligands. alpha-Thrombin bound gammaA/gamma'-fibrin via high and low affinity binding sites. A peptide analog of the COOH terminus of the gamma'-chain that binds alpha-thrombin via exosite 2 blocked the high affinity binding of alpha-thrombin to gammaA/gamma'-fibrin, suggesting that the interaction of alpha-thrombin with the gamma'-chain is exosite 2-mediated. In support of this concept, (a) gamma-thrombin, which lacks a functional exosite 1, bound to gammaA/gamma'-fibrin, but not to gammaA/gammaA-fibrin; (b) thrombin R93A/R97A/R101A, an exosite 2-defective variant, bound only to gammaA/gamma'-fibrin via low affinity sites; and (c) exosite 2-directed ligands reduced alpha-thrombin binding to gammaA/gamma'-fibrin. However, several lines of evidence indicate that exosite 1 contributes to the high affinity interaction of thrombin with gammaA/gamma'-fibrin. First, the affinity of gamma-thrombin for gammaA/gamma'-fibrin was lower than that of alpha-thrombin. Second, removal of a low affinity binding site on the beta-chain of gammaA/gamma'-fibrin reduced its affinity for alpha-thrombin. Third, exosite 1-directed ligands reduced alpha-thrombin binding to gammaA/gamma'-fibrin. Taken together, these data suggest that, although exosite 2 mediates the interaction of thrombin with the gamma'-chain of gammaA/gamma'-fibrin, simultaneous ligation of exosite 1 by low affinity binding sites is essential for the high affinity interaction of thrombin with gammaA/gamma'-fibrin.

Binding Sites↗

Initial plasmin-degradation of fibrin as the basis of a positive feed-back mechanism in fibrinolysis.

This study deals with the effect of fibrin on the transformation of Glu-plasminogen to Glu-plasmin during fibrinolysis. It focuses particularly on changes in fibrin effector function caused by plasmin-catalysed fibrin degradation. Conversion of 125I-labelled Glu-plasminogen to Glu-plasmin was catalysed by urokinase or tissue plasminogen activator, in the presence of different preparations of progressively degraded fibrin. Plasmin catalysis of Glu-plasminogen and the fibrin (derivative) effector was inhibited by aprotinin. The presence of intact fibrin enhanced the rate of Glu-plasmin formation catalysed by tissue plasminogen activator, but not by urokinase. The presence of initially plasmin-cleaved fibrin, however, increased the rates of Glu-plasmin formation with both activators, as compared to those found with intact fibrin. The rate enhancements induced by initial plasmin degradation of the fibrin effector were associated with an increase in its affinity to both Glu-plasminogen and tissue plasminogen activator, suggesting causal relationships. The weak binding of urokinase was unaffected by fibrin degradation, indicating that effector function was solely exerted on the Glu-plasminogen moiety of urokinase-activated systems. Further degradation of fibrin decreased the stimulating effect on Glu-plasmin formation. This decrease occurred at an earlier stage of degradation with tissue plasminogen activator than with urokinase, indicating that greater integrity of the fibrin effector is necessary for its optimal interaction with the tissue plasminogen activator than with Glu-plasminogen. Concentrations of tranexamic acid that saturate low-affinity lysine-binding sites nearly completely dissociated the binding of Glu-plasminogen to degraded fibrin, but not to intact fibrin. In analogy with the binding of lysine analogues to these sites, the conformation of Glu-plasminogen may be altered by binding to degraded fibrin, thus giving rise to the increased activation rate.

Catalysis↗

Screening for fibrin specific monoclonal antibodies: the development of a new procedure.

The acquisition of monoclonal antibodies specific for human fibrin has been impaired by the similarity in chemical composition between fibrinogen and fibrin and the conformational difference between immobilised and soluble fibrinogen. Five monoclonal antibodies (mabs) with a known affinity for fibrin have been subjected to screening procedures which involved the presentation of different forms of both fibrinogen and fibrin to the test mabs. It was observed by scanning electron microscopy that dried fibrin (denoted fibrin D), immobilised on the wells of PVC plates was morphologically similar to the fibrin found in human clots whereas PVC-immobilised fibrin monolayers (fibrin M) and a homogenised form of fibrin (fibrin FF) presented two very different morphological appearances. It was shown that lack of cross reactivity of a mab with an antigen (e.g. fibrinogen) was validly demonstrated only when both mab and antigen were present in the soluble state. These findings have allowed the generation of a screening procedure which involves the use of fibrin D on PVC plates in conjunction with whole human plasma incubated with the test antibody. This screening procedure has been validated using two mabs, one of which has an exclusive fibrin affinity while the other has a broad spectrum crossreactivity with both fibrinogen and fibrin. This procedure would ensure the acquisition of all the five fibrin-specific mabs used in this study while other less reliable screening procedures might not.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Differences between binding of one-chain and two-chain tissue plasminogen activators to non-cross-linked and cross-linked fibrin clots.

Interaction of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) with fibrin plays a key role in regulation of plasminogen activation and clot dissolution. Previous investigations of t-PA-fibrin interaction, using incorporation of t-PA into polymerizing fibrin clots, have suggested that no significant differences exist in the binding of one-chain or two-chain t-PA to non-cross-linked or cross-linked fibrin. In the present study, binding of 125I-labeled and affinity-purified one-chain and two-chain forms of t-PA to preformed non-cross-linked or cross-linked, sonicated suspension of fibrin was investigated. Interaction of one-chain t-PA with cross-linked fibrin involved a single type of binding site with dissociation constant (kd) of 0.58 mumol/L and a stoichiometry (n) of 1.5. Interaction of one-chain t-PA with non-cross-linked fibrin, however, involved two classes of binding sites with dissociation constants of 0.32 and 1.5 mumol/L and corresponding number of binding sites equal to 0.57 and 2.0, respectively. In contrast to the binding of one-chain t-PA to cross-linked fibrin by a limited number of sites, two-chain t-PA appeared to involve a considerably greater number of sites (minimum six) whose dissociation constant was 3.2 mumol/L. Interaction of two-chain t-PA with non-cross-linked fibrin also showed the presence of many binding sites (minimum seven) with approximate dissociation constant of 6.4 mumol/L, as well as a few (n = 0.012) high-affinity sites with a kd of 0.011 mumol/L epsilon-Aminocaproic acid did not completely reverse the binding of either one-chain t-PA or two-chain t-PA to fibrin. The present findings suggest that the fibrin-binding properties of t-PA undergo considerable changes on proteolytic conversion from one-chain to two-chain t-PA, catalyzed under physiologic conditions by plasmin. The cleavage of one-chain t-PA to two-chain t-PA allows to bind to a large number of low-affinity binding sites on fibrin. Cross-linking of fibrin by factor XIIIa results in masking of high-affinity binding sites that are present in non-cross-linked fibrin. We propose that both plasmin and factor XIIIa play an important regulatory role in dissolution of blood clots by modulating t-PA-fibrin interaction.

Aminocaproic Acid↗

Effect of heparin on the activation of factor XI by fibrin-bound thrombin.

Fibrin-bound thrombin is protected from inactivation by antithrombin III, while its coagulant potential is retained. In the presence of heparin, ternary complexes between thrombin, fibrin and heparin are formed. In these complexes the coagulant activity of thrombin is retained, whereas the anticoagulant activity of fibrin-bound heparin is neutralized. The limited effectiveness of heparin in the prevention of both venous thrombosis and coronary reocclusion is probably related to the protective effect of fibrin on the inactivation of thrombin by anti-thrombin III. Recently, it has been shown that factor XI can be activated by thrombin, resulting in the generation of additional thrombin via the intrinsic pathway. This additional thrombin is capable of stabilizing the clot by protecting it from fibrinolysis. We studied the effect of heparin on the activation of factor XI by fibrin-bound thrombin. First, we used fibrin monomers coupled to Sepharose to which thrombin and unfractionated heparin (UFH) were bound. Factor XI activation by thrombin was the same in the presence of fibrin-Sepharose or control-Sepharose. The addition of heparin (0.1 U/ml) resulted in a 91 and 15-fold enhancement in the presence of control-Sepharose and fibrin-Sepharose, respectively. Next, we added complexes of heparin, thrombin and fibrin monomer to factor XII and XI double-deficient plasma in the presence or absence of a reconstituting amount of factor XI. In the presence of factor XI, additional fibrin formation was observed indicating that factor XI activation by thrombin in complex with fibrin and heparin can take place in plasma. We then studied the effect of other heparin-like anticoagulants on the thrombin-mediated factor XI activation. UFH enhanced thrombin-mediated factor XI activation 68-fold, LMWH (low molecular weight heparin, Fragmin) 12-fold, danaparoid (Orgaran) 3-fold, while the pentasaccharide ORG 31540 did not result in an enhancement. Binding studies of these anticoagulants to fibrin-Sepharose showed that LMWH bound with approximately the same affinity as UFH, while danaparoid and the pentasaccharide did not bind to fibrin. We conclude that fibrin-bound thrombin is capable of factor XI activation. Furthermore, heparin bound in a complex with fibrin can act as a cofactor for this activation. This factor XI activation capacity may play a role in the limited effectiveness of heparin. Provided that thrombin-mediated factor XI activation plays an important role in vivo, danaparoid and especially the pentasaccharide may be better anticoagulants than UFH and LMWH.

Blood Coagulation↗

Characterization of a mode of specific binding of fibrin monomer through its amino-terminal domain by macrophages and macrophage cell-lines.

The studies reported here probe the existence of a receptor-mediated mode of fibrin-binding by macrophages that is associated with the chemical change underlying the fibrinogen-fibrin conversion (the release of fibrinopeptides from the amino-terminal domain) without depending on fibrin-aggregation. The question is pursued by 1) characterization of binding in relation to fibrinopeptide content of both the intact protein and the CNBr-fragment comprising the amino-terminal domain known as the NDSK of the protein, 2) tests of competition for binding sites, and 3) photo-affinity labeling of macrophage surface proteins. The binding of intact monomers of types lacking either fibrinopeptide A alone (alpha-fibrin) or both fibrinopeptides A and B (alpha beta-fibrin) by peritoneal macrophages is characterized as proceeding through both a fibrin-specific low density/high affinity (BMAX congruent 200-800 molecules/cell, KD congruent to 10(-12) M) interaction that is not duplicated with fibrinogen, and a non-specific high density/low affinity (BMAX greater than or equal to 10(5) molecules/cell, KD greater than or equal to 10(-6) M) interaction equivalent to the weak binding of fibrinogen. Similar binding characteristics are displayed by monocyte/macrophage cell lines (J774A.1 and U937) as well as peritoneal macrophages towards the NDSK preparations of these proteins, except for a slightly weaker (KD congruent to 10(-10) M) high-affinity binding. The high affinity binding of intact monomer is inhibitable by fibrin-NDSK, but not fibrinogen-NDSK. This binding appears principally dependent on release of fibrinopeptide-A, because a species of fibrin (beta-fibrin) lacking fibrinopeptide-B alone undergoes only weak binding similar to that of fibrinogen. Synthetic Gly-Pro-Arg and Gly-His-Arg-Pro corresponding to the N-termini of to the alpha- and the beta-chains of fibrin both inhibit the high affinity binding of the fibrin-NDSKs, and the cell-adhesion peptide Arg-Gly-Asp does not. Photoaffinity-labeling experiments indicate that polypeptides with electrophoretically estimated masses of 124 and 187 kDa are the principal membrane components associated with specifically bound fibrin-NDSK. The binding could not be up-regulated with either phorbol myristyl acetate, interferon gamma or ADP, but was abolished by EDTA and by lipopolysaccharide. Because of the low BMAX, it is suggested that the high-affinity mode of binding characterized here would be too limited to function by itself in scavenging much fibrin, but may act cooperatively with other, less limited modes of fibrin binding.

Affinity Labels↗

Interaction of fibrinogen and its derivatives with fibrin.

The binding between complementary polymerization sites of fibrin monomers plays an essential role in the formation of the fibrin clot. One set of polymerization sites involved in the interaction of fibrin monomers is believed to pre-exist in fibrinogen, while the complementary set of binding sites is exposed after the cleavage of fibrinopeptides from fibrinogen. The polymerization sites present in fibrinogen and its derivatives mediate their binding to fibrin. Although the binding of fibrinogen and its derivatives to fibrin have been qualitatively studied, there has been no systematic, quantitative investigation of their interaction with forming or preformed clots. In the present study, the binding of fibrinogen and fragments DD, D1, and E1 was measured using a sonicated suspension of plasminogen- and thrombin-free human cross-linked fibrin as a model of a preformed clot. Dissociation constants of 0.056, 0.19, and 2.44 microM, and the number of binding sites corresponding to 0.10, 0.21, and 0.13/fibrin monomer unit of fibrin polymer were found for fibrinogen, fragment DD, and fragment D1, respectively. Fragment E1 did not bind to sonicated noncross-linked or cross-linked fibrin suspensions. However, it was bound to forming fibrin clots as well as to fibrin-Celite, suggesting that the binding sites on fibrin involved in the interaction with fragment E1 may have been altered upon sonication. Affinity chromatography of various fibrinogen derivatives on a fibrin-Celite column showed that only part of the bound fragment DD was displaced by arginine, whereas fragments D1 and E1 were completely eluted under the same conditions. The results indicate that interaction of fibrinogen with the preformed fibrin clots is characterized by affinity in the nanomolar range and that binding between fibrin monomers, in the process of clot formation, could be characterized by even a higher affinity.

Binding Sites↗

Soluble, cross-linked fibrin(ogen) hybrid oligomers do not stimulate t-PA conversion of plasminogen.

Cross-linked hybrid oligomers of fibrinogen and fibrin are found in plasma from fibrinaemic patients and normal individuals as well as in preparations of purified human fibrinogen. The present study was undertaken to see if such hybrid oligomers have the same stimulatory effect on tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) conversion of plasminogen as do polymeric and monomeric fibrin. Hybrid oligomeric fibrin(ogen) material was provided by subjecting purified human fibrinogen to gel filtration in urea-containing buffer at pH 5.6. Well separated fractions of hybrid oligomeric material and monomeric fibrinogen were thus obtained. Some of this material was converted to soluble polymeric or monomeric fibrin using insolubilized thrombin. Hybrid polymeric fibrin, polymeric fibrin or monomeric fibrin were then added to citrated, normal plasma to 2.5 or 5 per cent of the plasma fibrinogen concentration. The added material was kept in solution by plasma fibrinogen. The "COA-SET Fibrin Monomer Test" (Kabi,Stocholm,Sweden), based on the ability of fibrin monomers to enhance t-PA mediated plasminogen-plasmin conversion, was used to compare the potential stimulatory effect of the preparations above. The results led to the following conclusions: 1) Cross-linked, soluble fibrin(ogen) hybrid polymers in a concentration of 5 per cent of plasma fibrinogen concentration (w/w) do not stimulate t-PA. 2) Thrombin conversion of the fibrin-fibrinogen hybrid material resulted in an increase in the rate of t-PA mediated plasminogen conversion, corresponding to the one observed with equivalent (w/w) amounts of fibrin monomers. Compared on a mole to mole basis, fibrin oligomers are more powerful than fibrin monomers as stimulators of t-PA activity.

Chromatography, Gel↗

The ultrastructure of fibrinogen-420 and the fibrin-420 clot.

Fibrinogen-420 is a minor subclass of human fibrinogen that is so named because of its higher molecular weight compared to fibrinogen-340, the predominant form of circulating fibrinogen. Each of the two Aalpha chains of fibrinogen-340 is replaced in fibrinogen-420 by an Aalpha isoform termed alphaE. Such chains contain a globular C-terminal extension, alphaEC, that is homologous with the C-terminal regions of Bbeta and gamma chains in the fibrin D domain. The alphaEC domain lacks a functional fibrin polymerization pocket like those found in the D domain, but it does contain a binding site for beta2 integrins. Electron microscopy of fibrinogen-340 molecules showed the major core fibrinogen domains, D-E-D, plus globular portions of the C-terminal alphaC domains. Fibrinogen-420 molecules had two additional globular domains that were attributable to alphaEC. Turbidity measurements of thrombin-cleaved fibrinogen-420 revealed a reduced rate of fibrin polymerization and a lower maximum turbidity. Thromboelastographic measurements also showed a reduced rate of fibrin-420 polymerization (amplitude development) compared with fibrin-340. Nevertheless, the final amplitude (MA) and the calculated elastic modulus (G) for fibrin-420 were greater than those for fibrin-340. These results suggested a greater degree of fibrin-420 branching and thinner matrix fibers, and such structures were found in SEM images. In addition, fibrin-420 fibers were irregular and often showed nodular structures protruding from the fiber surface. These nodularities represented alphaEC domains, and possibly alphaC domains as well. TEM images of negatively shadowed fibrin-420 networks showed irregular fiber borders, but the fibers possessed the same 22.5-nm periodicity that characterizes all fibrin fibers. From this result, we conclude that fibrin-420 fiber assembly occurs through the same D-E interactions that drive the assembly of all fibrin fibrils, and therefore that the staggered overlapping molecular packing arrangement is the same in both types of fibrin. The alphaEC domains are arrayed on fiber surfaces, and in this location, they would very likely slow lateral fibril association, causing thinner, more branched fibers to form. However, their location on the fiber surface would facilitate cellular interactions through the integrin receptor binding site.

Blood Coagulation↗

Integrin alphavbeta3-RGDS interaction mediates fibrin-induced morphological changes of glomerular endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: In our previous studies, we found that intraglomerular deposition of fibrin and its metabolites was related to glomerular sclerosis and reduced renal function. It has been reported that both overlying and underlying fibrin may induce specific morphological changes of cultured endothelial cells from large blood vessels. The dependency of these morphological changes on the integrin alphavbeta3-arginyl-glycyl-aspartyl-serine (RGDS) interaction is still controversial. We hypothesized that glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) stimulated by fibrin might undergo morphological changes through an integrin alphavbeta3-RGDS interaction. Methods. In vitro studies were performed to examine the growing status of GECs stimulated by overlying and underlying fibrin gels in the presence or absence of the following: 50 microg/ml anti-alphavbeta3 integrin monoclonal antibody 23C6 or nonimmune mouse IgG, 1 mg/ml synthetic RGDS or arginyl-glycyl-glycyl-serine (RGGS) peptide, 10 mg/ml sodium heparin, 100 microg/ml cycloheximide, and 10 microM actinomycin D. Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC)-purified fibrinogen and the third to fifth passages of human GECs were also used in this study. RESULTS: GECs developed capillary tube structure after 60 hours of culturing on fibrin gels, and GECs cultured on gelatin-coated plates displayed a monolayer of cobblestone-like cells in the presence or absence of 23C6 and synthetic RGDS peptide. Fibrin-induced capillary tube formation was promoted by 23C6 and inhibited by RGDS peptide, cycloheximide, and actinomycin D. Disorganization of the GEC monolayer was induced by overlying fibrin, but was not induced by overlying agarose gels and glass cover slips or culturing in fibrinogen, 0.05 NIH U/ml thrombin, fibrin supernatants, as well as in fibrin degradation products. Disorganization of GEC monolayer can be induced by both des-AA-fibrin and des-AABB-fibrin and was unaffected by heparin. Furthermore, both 23C6 and synthetic RGDS peptide prevented disorganization of GECs induced by overlying fibrin, whereas nonimmune mouse IgG, synthetic RGGS peptide, cycloheximide, and actinomycin D had no similar effect. CONCLUSIONS: GECs cultured on fibrin gels may develop capillary structure spontaneously, and GECs covered by fibrin gels may undergo disorganization. Our data suggest that these GEC morphological changes are mediated by an integrin alphavbeta3-RGDS interaction.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-beta2) reverses the inhibitory effects of fibrin sealant on cutaneous wound repair in the pig.

Tensile strength of 2-cm, full-thickness, surgically incised porcine skin wounds sealed with fibrin sealant was enhanced compared to conventionally sutured wounds at 6 hours postwounding, but was significantly reduced after 3 days. Supplementation of fibrin sealant with transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-beta2) reversed the inhibitory effects of fibrin sealant on tensile strength at 3 days, and enhanced tensile strength at 7 days compared to suture or fibrin sealant alone. By 14 days, the tensile strengths of all wounds were similar, although wounds treated with fibrin sealant supplemented with TGF-beta2 showed a small, but statistically significant, improvement in wound strength compared to wounds treated with fibrin sealant alone. Histological assessment at day 7 revealed significant remnants of fibrin sealant at the wound site following fibrin sealant treatment alone, while wounds treated with fibrin sealant supplemented with TGF-beta2 or suture exhibited fibroblast infiltration and extracellular matrix deposition. At day 7, TGF-beta was immunolocalized in the base and margins of only wounds treated with fibrin sealant supplemented with TGF-beta2. A significant increase in matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity was found in fibrin sealant-treated wounds at day 7 as compared to sutured wounds. Addition of TGF-beta to the fibrin sealant suppressed the up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in these wounds. These results suggest that fibrin sealant supplemented with TGF-beta may provide superior wound healing as compared to fibrin sealant alone.

Animals↗

Structural features mediating fibrin selectivity of vampire bat plasminogen activators.

The distinguishing characteristic of vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) salivary plasminogen activators (DSPAs) is their strict requirement for fibrin as a cofactor. DSPAs consist of structural modules known from urokinase (u-PA) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) such as finger (F), epidermal growth factor (E), kringle (K), and protease (P), combining to four genetically and biochemically distinct isoenzymes, exhibiting the formulas FEKP (DSPA alpha 1 and alpha 2) and EKP and KP (DSPA beta and DSPA gamma). Only DSPA alpha 1 and alpha 2 bind to fibrin. All DSPAs are single-chain molecules, displaying substantial amidolytic activity. In a plasminogen activation assay, all four DSPAs are almost inactive in the absence of fibrin but strongly stimulated by fibrin addition. The catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of DSPA alpha 1 increases 10(5)-fold, whereas the corresponding value of t-PA is only 550. The ratio of the bimolecular rate constants of plasminogen activation in the presence of fibrin versus fibrinogen (fibrin selectivity) of DSPA alpha 1, alpha 2, beta, gamma, and t-PA was found to be 13,000, 6500, 250, 90, and 72, respectively. Whereas all DSPAs are therefore more fibrin dependent and fibrin selective than t-PA, the extent depends on the respective presence of the various domains. The introduction of a plasmin-sensitive cleavage site in a position akin to the one in t-PA partially obliterates fibrin cofactor requirement. Fibrin dependence and fibrin selectivity of DSPAs are accordingly mediated by fibrin binding, which involves the F domain, as yet undefined determinants within the K and P domains, and by the absence of a plasmin-sensitive activation site. These findings transcend the current understanding of fibrin-mediated stimulation of plasminogen activation: in addition to fibrin binding, specific protein-protein interactions come into play, which stabilize the enzyme in its active conformation.

Aminocaproic Acid↗

Fibrin sealant: a review of its use in surgery and endoscopy.

UNLABELLED: Fibrin sealant (fibrin adhesive; fibrin glue; Beriplast P1) is a haemostatic and wound support product consisting of the blood coagulation factors fibrinogen, factor XIII and thrombin, the antifibrinolytic agent aprotinin and calcium chloride. Fibrin sealant has been used to good effect in a wide variety of surgical and endoscopic procedures. Suture support was provided in series of patients with oesophageal, gastric, colonic or rectal anastomoses, and fibrin sealant was as effective in haemostasis as microcrystalline collagen powder in hepatic surgery. It did not reduce postoperative peritoneal drainage after elective cholecystectomy, however. A 41% reduction (p<0.02) in incidence of air leakage was achieved when fibrin sealant was added to sutures in patients undergoing pulmonary resection in a randomised single-blind study. A high rate of complete remission of malignant pleural effusion has been reported after intrapleural instillation of fibrin sealant, and successful sealing of CSF leaks after trauma or surgery has also been achieved. Attenuation of prolonged or excessive haemorrhage after dental extraction has been achieved in patients on anticoagulant therapy or with haemorrhagic disorders who received fibrin sealant with packing and suturing. Repeated endoscopic injection of fibrin sealant was superior to single injection sclerotherapy with polidocanol 1% in a randomised study in 805 patients with bleeding peptic ulcers. Other data suggest that endoscopic injection of fibrin sealant is associated with lower recurrence of bleeding and need for emergency surgery than thrombin with adrenaline (epinephrine) or hypertonic saline with adrenaline. Similar haemostatic efficacy to laser photocoagulation or sclerotherapy was reported in a retrospective comparison. A statistically significant reduction relative to suturing in the incidence of wound dehiscence was reported after the use of fibrin sealant in cataract surgery, and benefit of the sealant has also been noted in patients receiving skin grafts and in those undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate gland. CONCLUSIONS: Although comparative studies would assist in the clarification of the place of the product discussed with respect to other haemostatic or wound support techniques and to other fibrin sealants, the formulation reviewed here has been shown overall to be effective and well tolerated in a variety of haemostatic and wound healing support roles in numerous types of surgery. Fibrin sealant has also been shown to be useful when administered endoscopically, with superiority over sclerotherapy being shown after repeated application in patients with peptic ulceration. Fibrin sealant can therefore be considered useful in a number of surgical and endoscopic settings.

Animals↗

[Department of Protein Structure and Function--Volodimir Oleksandrovich Bielitser School of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences. Studies on structure of fibrin fiber structure and mechanism (1975-1987].

In this short historical review the records about foundation and research activity of the Department of Structure and Function of Protein--school of V. A. Belitser, Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine are presented. V. A. Belitser was the founder and indispensable chief of the department since the date of its creation (1944) till 1987. The main research interests (1975-1987) of the department were focused at the investigation of structure, biological function of the fibrinogen-fibrin system, mechanisms of the network assembly and of the fibrin fibers structure. Studying the molecular mechanisms of the fibrin fiber assembly, it was shown that the specificity of the building structure was shown is determined by the specific reactive sites with strong affinity of the molecules. The activity of the sites was investigated on protein molecules as well as the fragments. The physical nature of the bonds created by the active sites, that appearing during in the process of fibrinogen activation by thrombin, was revealed. Examination of the fibrin assembly in cooperation with electronmicroscopists and studies of the complex formation between active fragments and fibrin monomer were summarized. Both the fibrin monomer polymerization and protofibril lateral association are presented as two stages in the assembly of the fibrin network. In the research of the domain fibrinogen structure the specific sites of the fibrin assembly in each of the domains were found. COOH-terminal regions of the A alpha-chains play independent part in the fibrinogen and fibrin. That is why it is relevant to consider them as alpha C-domains. In the free fibrinogen molecules (in solution) these domains are responsible for globular shape, they are linked to domains D intramolecularly. When fibrin assembly takes place, alpha C-domains play significant carriage role in fibrin molecules interaction, linking to domains D intermolecularly. The model of the fibrinogen molecule structure and the general scheme of the fibrin fibers network formation were proposed. Physico-chemical basics of a biological structure assembly were elucidated using the process of the fibrin self-assembly as an example. Much attention was devoted to the problems of practical medicine. The quantitative methods of fibrinogen, soluble fibrin and active fibrin/fibrinogen fragments estimation in blood plasma were developed.

Fibrin↗

[Effect of fibrin on osseointegration of bioactive glass-ceramic materials--experimental study].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the experimental study is to find out how fibrin influences the speed of osteiontegration of bioactive glass-ceramic materials BAS-O, BAS-HA, BAS-R (LASAK Prague, Czech Republic) and how it influences the response of live tissue at the implant-bone interface in the interval of 1-8 weeks. MATERIAL: Dense materials BAS-0 (glass-ceramics), BAS-HA (hydroxyapatite) and BAS-R (beta tricalcium phosphate) in the form of 0.6-1 mm granules were implanted in artificially created defects in tibia of an experimental animal with the addition of 0.1 ml of fibrin adhesive system Beriplast. Control implantation was performed with the addition of physiological solution. Materials BAS-HA and BAS-R were implanted in the same way in the ratio of 7:3, 8:2 and 9:1. Duration of exposure was 1-8 weeks. Radiographs of samples were taken by Mammograph and decalcified sections were coloured by toluidine blue and examined at 60 times and 120 times magnification. RESULTS: Surgical wounds were healed per primam. Radiographs of materials with the fibrin system showed clearly after one week defects and implants, after the third week part of the materials penetrated above the bone surface, after the fourth week there were evident signs of bone tissue formation between particles of BAS-HA, BAS-R and their mixtures. The most marked bone formation took place in the seventh and eighth weeks. With the use of glass-ceramics without fibrin the particles were after three weeks less clear, after the fourth week BAS-HA and BAS-R penetrated above the surface. A significant bone formation was obvious after the sixth and seventh weeks. There were no signs of resorption or fibrous encapsulating. Microscopic examination proved enveloping of particles of BAS-0 by fibrous tissue which was evident partially also after the eight week. With the use of fibrin the situation was analogical. In BAS-HA and BAS-R the finding in the first week was similar. With fibrin, there was after the third week a mature lamellar bone in the vicinity of granules and the fibrous interlayer disappeared. Neither positive nor negative impact of fibrin on the process of healing was found. With the application of BAS-R and fibrin system the bone tissue was after the third week more significant and trabeculae more bulky. The final result after eight weeks was the same: Ingrowth of the mixtures of the given materials proceeded in the same way. DISCUSSION: The applied glass-ceramic materials are used in the clinical practice. The speed of osteointegration depends on the quality of the bone bed, and on the tolerance of these materials by live tissue. Osteintegration can be accelerated by the use of growth factors or stem cells cultivated in the tissue culture. Fibrin which creates a network along which osteoblasts can migrate should have a similar quality. It seems that of decisive importance is the thickness of the fibrin layer around the implants. If this layer is thick glass-ceramics is enveloped more probably to fibrous tissue. In a thin layer the process is accelerated within the first three weeks. After a longer exposure the differences are not evident. Samples of BAS-HA and BAS-R, both applied separately and in a mixture, showed a marked bioactivity in the experiment. During eight weeks no signs were found of resorption which is typical of tricalcium phosphate in a longer time interval. CONCLUSION: In the experiment on an animal the fibrin adhesive system accelerated osteointegration of bioactive materials BAS-HA, BAS-R and their mixtures until the third week after the implantation. Small differences with the use of fibrin were adjusted within six weeks. Materials BAS-HA, BAS-R and their mixtures were completely osteointegrated. Glass-ceramics BAS-0 was partially enveloped by fibrous tissue, even with the use of fibrin adhesive system. During eight weeks no resorption of materials was found. The process of ingrowth can be seen on radiographs. X-ray picture of bone formation in BAS-HA, BAS-R correlates with the histological finding. The fibrin adhesive system facilitates manipulation with fine granules.

Animals↗

Identification of the domains of tissue-type plasminogen activator involved in the augmented binding to fibrin after limited digestion with plasmin.

The binding of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) to fibrin increases upon digestion of fibrin with plasmin. Optimal binding is observed following a limited plasmin digestion of fibrin, coinciding with the generation of fibrin fragment X polymers. We studied the involvement of the separate domains of the amino-terminal "heavy" (H) chain of rt-PA in this augmentation of fibrin binding. The fibrin-binding characteristics of a set of rt-PA deletion mutants, lacking either one or more of the structural domains of the H chain, were determined on intact fibrin matrices and on fibrin matrices that were subjected to limited digestion with plasmin. The augmented fibrin binding of rt-PA is partially abolished when the plasmin-degraded fibrin matrices are subsequently treated with carboxypeptidase B, demonstrating that this increased binding is dependent on the generation of carboxyl-terminal lysine residues in the fibrin matrix. Evidence is provided that this increase of fibrin binding is mediated by the kringle 2 (K2) domain that contains a lysine-binding site. Further increase of the fibrin binding of rt-PA is independent of the presence of carboxyl-terminal lysines. It is shown that the latter increase is not mediated by the K2 domain. Based on our data, we propose that the increase in fibrin binding, unrelated to the presence of carboxyl-terminal lysine residues, is mediated by the finger (F) domain, provided that this domain is correctly exposed in the remainder of the protein.

Animals↗

Cell proliferation on fibrin: modulation by fibrinopeptide cleavage.

Fibrin forms the cohesive network of hemostatic plugs and thrombi, and it also provides the temporary matrix for initial support of healing and revascularization. Because cell proliferation is needed for revascularization after vessel injury, we have characterized structural requirements of fibrin needed to support cell proliferation on fibrin in vitro. Proliferation of cultured human endothelial cells and fibroblasts was measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation on fibrin surfaces varying in structure. Fibrin prepared with thrombin and lacking both fibrinopeptides A and B (desAB fibrin) supported proliferation of both endothelial cells and fibroblasts. In contrast, fibrin prepared with reptilase, which cleaves only fibrinopeptide A, supported significantly less proliferation. Also, fibrin prepared by thrombin treatment of fibrinogen lacking residues beta 1-42 supported only a low level of proliferation. Therefore, fibrinopeptide B cleavage and exposure of beta 15-42 enhanced proliferation of cells on fibrin. Specific proteolytic inhibitors were used to eliminate the potential mitogenic effects of residual fibrin-bound thrombin. Additional controls showed that neither catalytically inactive thrombin nor addition of the thrombin receptor-activating peptide (SFLLRNPNDKYEPF [SFLL]) stimulated proliferation on desA fibrin. The results indicate that cell proliferation on fibrin is enhanced by fibrinopeptide B cleavage and exposure of the amino terminus of the fibrin beta chain. They also show that specific structural features of the temporary fibrin matrix formed at sites of injury may modulate the proliferative response of vascular cells.

Cell Adhesion↗

Fibrin induction of tissue plasminogen activator expression in corneal endothelial cells in vitro.

PURPOSE: Fibrin is deposited in the anterior chamber of the eye in response to injury and can damage corneal endothelial cells (CEC). Fibrin degradation is plasmin dependent and is regulated by the balance between plasminogen activators (PA), tissue-PA (t-PA), urokinase-PA (u-PA), and their inhibitors (PAI). Although several factors can modulate PA/PAI expression in cells, the effect of fibrin is inconclusive. We hypothesized that fibrin can regulate fibrinolysis in the anterior segment by modulating PA/PAI expression in CEC. METHODS: Bovine CEC (BCEC) were treated for 3 to 72 hours with in situ polymerized fibrin (2 mg/ml) +/- 35S-methionine, cycloheximide, or actinomycin D. Polymerization was thrombin catalyzed, and control BCEC were incubated with or without thrombin or polymerization by-products. PA and PAI in conditioned medium, fibrin matrix, and cell fractions were analyzed by PA-specific zymographic and enzymatic assays. RESULTS: Fibrin treatment induced a dramatic (> 20-fold) accumulation of extracellular, fibrin-bound PA. This activity was identified as t-PA by its Mw (70 kD) affinity for fibrin and sensitivity to inhibition by Erythrina. Induction of t-PA was not observed in control BCEC under any condition. Fibrin induction of t-PA was selective because the levels of u-PA (45 kD), PAI-1 (50 kD), or protein synthesis in general were unaffected. Fibrin induction of t-PA was not accompanied by changes in cellular t-PA levels and was dependent on both RNA and protein synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin selectively induces t-PA expression in CEC. Induced t-PA is released extracellularly and binds exclusively to the fibrin matrix. These findings suggest a role for fibrin and CEC in the regulation of fibrinolysis in the anterior segment of the eye.

Animals↗