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Study of tissue-type plasminogen activator binding sites on fibrin using distinct fragments of fibrinogen.

It is well established that tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) binds to the D region of fibrin(ogen) and that two distinct CNBr fragments of fibrinogen (FCB), FCB-2 and FCB-5, comprising parts of this region, stimulate plasminogen activation by t-PA. In the present work, ligand-binding studies were performed to characterize the interactions between t-PA and the corresponding fibrin regions using a well defined model of a fibrin surface and both FCB-2 and FCB-5 in liquid and solid phase. Binding isotherms showed a characteristic Langmuir adsorption saturation profile. The dissociation constants determined for the binding of t-PA to immobilized FCB-2 (Kd = 0.70 +/- 0.10 nM) and FCB-5 (Kd = 0.47 +/- 0.08 nM) were of the same order of magnitude as the Kd for fibrin binding (Kd = 1 +/- 0.2 nM). The specificity of the binding was demonstrated by the ability of soluble FCB-2 and FCB-5 to inhibit t-PA binding to solid-phase fibrin (Ki = 3.3 microM and 6.4 microM, respectively). The binding of t-PA to fibrin and to immobilized FCB-2 was partially inhibited by the lysine analogue 6-aminohexanoic acid (Ki = 123 +/- 47 microM and 364 microM, respectively) but was not modified by carboxypeptidase B, thus indicating involvement of internal lysine residues. Removal of lysine residues by treatment with, successively, plasmin and carboxypeptidase B, produced only a partial inhibition of t-PA binding, thus confirming the existence of both a lysine-dependent and a lysine-independent mechanism of binding of t-PA to both fibrin and FCB-2. In contrast, the binding of t-PA to FCB-5 was not significantly affected by 6-aminohexanoic acid. Altogether, these data indicate that the mechanism of binding of t-PA to fibrin involves mainly a lysine-independent interaction with the D region which is contributed by sequences present in FCB-5 and FCB-2; contribution to binding by a lysine-dependent interaction was detected only in FCB-2 and is probably of minor relevance as suggested by the limited effect of 6-aminohexanoic acid.

Animals↗

Correction of vesico-ureteric reflux by subureteric fibrin injection in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To study the histological and radiological potential of the biomaterial fibrin in the treatment of vesico-ureteric reflux by a subureteric injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For histological studies the bladders of 22 non-refluxing adult female dogs were exposed and in 20 of these two-component fibrin glue was injected into the right subureteric intramuscular portion of the bladder and teflon was injected into the lamina propria of the left ureter; two of them acted as controls. Two dogs were killed on alternate days over the course of 21 post-operative days and the bladders and distal portions of the ureters were examined histologically. For radiological studies micturating cystograms were obtained from 15 female puppies. In only eight puppies was vesico-ureteric reflux naturally present. In six of these two-component fibrin was injected into the right and teflon into the left subureteric areas, and in two puppies fibrin was injected into the subureteric areas, while the left sides acted as controls. Micturating cystograms and intravenous urograms were obtained from all puppies 3 weeks post-operatively. RESULTS: Histopathological studies showed persistence of increased amounts of endogenous collagen at the fibrin-injected sites; at the Teflon-injected sites a mass surrounded by dense granulation tissue was seen. Radiological studies revealed complete disappearance of reflux in the study group of six fibrin and Teflon-injected puppies; in two control puppies fibrin was injected into the right subureteric area only; the left sides were left untouched to show that maturation did not play a role in abolishing the spontaneously occurring reflux. Follow-up intravenous urography showed no evidence of vesico-ureteric obstruction in the treated ureters. CONCLUSION: Fibrin has the properties of a substance inducing a controlled increase in the number of endogenous collagen fibres.

Animals↗

The structure and biological features of fibrinogen and fibrin.

Fibrinogen and fibrin play important, overlapping roles in blood clotting, fibrinolysis, cellular and matrix interactions, inflammation, wound healing, and neoplasia. These events are regulated to a large extent by fibrin formation itself and by complementary interactions between specific binding sites on fibrin(ogen) and extrinsic molecules including proenzymes, clotting factors, enzyme inhibitors, and cell receptors. Fibrinogen is comprised of two sets of three polypeptide chains termed A alpha, B beta, and gamma, that are joined by disulfide bridging within the N-terminal E domain. The molecules are elongated 45-nm structures consisting of two outer D domains, each connected to a central E domain by a coiled-coil segment. These domains contain constitutive binding sites that participate in fibrinogen conversion to fibrin, fibrin assembly, crosslinking, and platelet interactions (e.g., thrombin substrate, Da, Db, gamma XL, D:D, alpha C, gamma A chain platelet receptor) as well as sites that are available after fibrinopeptide cleavage (e.g., E domain low affinity non-substrate thrombin binding site); or that become exposed as a consequence of the polymerization process (e.g., tPA-dependent plasminogen activation). A constitutive plasma factor XIII binding site and a high affinity non-substrate thrombin binding site are located on variant gamma' chains that comprise a minor proportion of the gamma chain population. Initiation of fibrin assembly by thrombin-mediated cleavage of fibrinopeptide A from A alpha chains exposes two EA polymerization sites, and subsequent fibrinopeptide B cleavage exposes two EB polymerization sites that can also interact with platelets, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. Fibrin generation leads to end-to-middle intermolecular Da to EA associations, resulting in linear double-stranded fibrils and equilaterally branched trimolecular fibril junctions. Side-to-side fibril convergence results in bilateral network branches and multistranded thick fiber cables. Concomitantly, factor XIII or thrombin-activated factor XIIIa introduce intermolecular covalent epsilon-(gamma glutamyl)lysine bonds into these polymers, first creating gamma dimers between properly aligned C-terminal gamma XL sites, which are positioned transversely between the two strands of each fibrin fibril. Later, crosslinks form mainly between complementary sites on alpha chains (forming alpha-polymers), and even more slowly among gamma dimers to create higher order crosslinked gamma trimers and tetramers, to complete the mature network structure.

Binding Sites↗

Tumor necrosis factor alpha and gamma interferon, but not hemorrhage or pathogen burden, dictate levels of protective fibrin deposition during infection.

While coagulation often causes pathology during infectious disease, we recently demonstrated that fibrin, a product of the coagulation pathway, performs a critical protective function during acute toxoplasmosis (L. L. Johnson, K. N. Berggren, F. M. Szaba, W. Chen, and S. T. Smiley, J. Exp. Med. 197:801-806, 2003). Here, we investigate the mechanisms regulating the formation of this protective fibrin. Through comparisons of Toxoplasma-infected wild-type and cytokine-deficient mice we dissociate, for the first time, the relative fibrin-regulating capacities of pathogen products, host cytokines, and infection-stimulated hemorrhage. Remarkably, neither the pathogen burden nor hemorrhage is a primary regulator of fibrin levels. Rather, two type 1 cytokines exert dominant and counterregulatory roles: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), acting via the type 1 TNF-alpha receptor, promotes fibrin deposition, while gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), acting via STAT1 and IFN-gamma receptors expressed on radioresistant cells, suppresses fibrin deposition. These findings have important clinical implications, as they establish that cytokines known to regulate pathological coagulation also dictate levels of protective fibrin deposition. We present a novel model depicting mechanisms by which the immune system can destroy infected tissue while independently restraining hemorrhage and promoting tissue repair through the deliberate deposition of protective fibrin.

Acute Disease↗

Role of fibrinopeptide B release: comparison of fibrins produced by thrombin and Ancrod.

The gelation time, opacity, light scattering, and elastic moduli of human fibrin gels clotted in the presence of thrombin, Ancrod, and Reptilase have been compared. At low ionic strength lateral association to thick fibers is observed in all cases. At all ionic strengths thrombin fibrin forms thicker fibers than does Ancrod fibrin. We have demonstrated that an increase in the extent of lateral association is linked to an increase in its velocity and to a decrease in the gelation time. One may consider the removal of fibrinopeptide B to act as a switch: after it is removed fibrin assembles rapidly to thick fibers and gelation is fast; but when this peptide is still attached, there is a slow assembly of thin fibers, and gelation, especially of dilute fibrin, is delayed. We believe that this delay is critical for the complete digestion by plasmin of fibrin formed during in vivo defibrination with Ancrod and of fibrin produced by very small amounts of thrombin (which would still contain fibrinopeptide B), and that slow release of fibrinopeptide B is part of a control mechanism for the regulation of fibrin formation and the prevention of intravascular coagulation.

Ancrod↗

Rat liver macrophages will not phagocytose fibrin during disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation was induced in rats by injection of a silver colloid suspension or thrombin. Ten min after the injection of colloid, fibrin deposits were observed light microscopically in all major organs. At 30 min, fibrin was no longer present. In rats treated with antifibrinolytics (epsilon-aminocaproic acid or Trasylol) fibrin was still present at 30 and 60 min. Interaction of fibrin with Kupffer cells was studied by electron microscopy. At 3, 10, and 20 min after the colloid injection, all fibrin occurred extracellularly, close to the surface of Kupffer cells. At 30 min, all fibrin had disappeared. In rats pretreated with antifibrinolytics, too, all fibrin was found extracellularly at 10, 30, and 60 min. Comparable results were obtained when thrombin was used to induce coagulation. It is concluded that removal of native fibrin from the circulation by Kupffer-cell phagocytosis is unlikely.

Animals↗

Fibrinogen C-terminal peptidic sequences (Haptides) modulate fibrin polymerization.

We previously described synthetic peptides of 19-21 amino acid residues, homologous to the C-termini of fibrinogen Fib(340) and Fib(420), from the beta-chain (Cbeta), the extended alphaE chain (CalphaE) and near the end of the gamma-chain (preCgamma) which elicited attachment (haptotactic) responses from mesenchymal cells. We named these haptotactic peptides -Haptides. The effects of Haptides on fibrin clot formation was evaluated and their possible effects on platelet aggregation was examined. The Haptides Cbeta,CalphaE and preCgamma, (2-10 micro M) increased fibrin clot turbidity and also decreased thrombin-induced clotting time. Higher concentrations (>120 micro M of Cbeta or preCgamma) induced fibrinogen precipitation even without thrombin. These precipi-tates exhibited different ultrastructure from thrombin-induced fibrin by scanning and transmission microscopy. C-terminal peptides of the other fibrinogen chains exerted no such effects. Sepharose beads covalently coated with either whole fibrinogen or Haptides (SB-Fib or SB-Haptide) highly adsorbed free (FITC) Haptides. In aqueous solution, Haptides formed nano-par-ticles with average size of approximately 150 nm in diameter. We suggest that such positively charged aggregates could serve to nucleate and accelerate fibrin gel formation. These results also indicate that Cbeta and preCgamma sequences within fibrin(ogen) participate in the docking and condensation of fibrin(ogen) during its assembly into a fibrin clot. By contrast, Haptides up to 100 micro M did not bind to platelets, and had no effect on platelet aggregation. Our findings highlight the roles of the C-terminal sequences of the beta and gamma chains in fibrin(ogen) polymerization as well as in cell attachment.

Blood Coagulation↗

Enhancement of endogenous fibrinolysis does not reduce local fibrin deposition, but modulates inflammation upon intestinal ischemia and reperfusion.

This study investigated the contribution of endogenous suppression of fibrinolysis and increased fibrin deposition to intestinal dysfunction and injury in a rat model of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), as fibrinolytic inhibition may lead to thrombotic obstructions that compromise microcirculation and promote intestinal injury. Circulatory fibrinolysis was enhanced by intravenous administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) or by inhibition of PAI-I by administration of MA-33H1F7. Coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters obtained from portal blood were correlated to fibrin deposition (determined by anti-rat fibrin antibody staining), intestinal function (glucose/water clearance) and intestinal injury (histological evaluation by Park/Chiu score). Enhanced circulatory fibrinolytic activity, as evidenced by increased portal plasma plasminogen activator activity, elevated fibrin degradation products and decreased levels of PAI-I, did not reduce mucosal fibrin deposition and microthrombosis in postischemic intestinal tissue. Furthermore, rt-PA or anti-PAI-I antibody administration did not attenuate I/R-induced intestinal injury or dysfunction, as demonstrated by intestinal histopathology scores of 4.8+/-0.2 and 4.7+/-0.3 (control I/R group 4.7+/-0.2) and glucose clearances of 47+/-6 and 46+/-9 micro L/min g (control I/R group 30+/-8 micro L/min. g) after 40 minutes of intestinal ischemia and 3 hours of reperfusion, respectively. However, both interventions resulted in decreased levels of interleukin-6, which may indicate fibrin-induced modulation of inflammation. Attempts to enhance the fibrinolytic activity (either by rt-PA or by anti-PAI-I administration), indicated by increased portal plasma levels of released FDP, failed to decrease mucosal fibrin deposition and to attenuate intestinal I/R injury. Based on our observations and previous reports, the contribution of suppressed endogenous fibrinolysis to microcirculatory fibrin deposition and I/R-injury may be of limited importance.

Animals↗

Biochemical changes in endothelial cell monolayers induced by fibrin deposition in vitro.

Endothelial cells in vivo come into contact with fibrin during numerous physiological and pathological processes, but the nature of this interaction is poorly understood. The interaction of fibrin and endothelial cells was examined by incubating bovine aortic endothelial cell monolayers in vitro with fibrinogen (100 micrograms/ml) in medium supplemented with 10% calf serum. This treatment produced a layer of fibrin above the endothelial cell monolayer, which induced disorganization of the monolayer and remained associated with the monolayer even after washing. Endothelial cell pinocytosis of 14C-sucrose was elevated by 25% and 60% after incubation with fibrin for 8 hours and 2 days, respectively. Fibrin deposition on endothelial cell monolayers increased the rate of DNA synthesis (3H-thymidine incorporation) for 1 to 3 days by as much as 60% over controls. Concomitant with the lysis of fibrin above endothelial cells and the reorganization of the monolayer at Days 4 or 5 was a reduction of endothelial cell pinocytosis and DNA synthesis to control values. In contrast, there was no effect on the cell density at any time after incubation with fibrin. These results indicate that fibrin interacts with endothelial cells and induces a disorganization of the monolayer that is accompanied by changes in the rate of pinocytosis and in the rate of DNA synthesis.

Animals↗

Antithrombotic potency of hirudin is increased in nonhuman primates by fibrin targeting.

BACKGROUND: Inhibition of thrombin by either the indirect thrombin inhibitor heparin or by more potent direct thrombin inhibitors such as hirudin reduces thrombus formation after arterial injury. The present study was designed to determine if a fibrin-specific thrombin inhibitor could, by local thrombin inhibition, prevent thrombosis more effectively. METHODS AND RESULTS: We first studied antithrombotic potency in vitro, comparing fibrin-targeted hirudin (recombinant hirudin covalently linked to the Fab' fragment of the anti-fibrin monoclonal antibody 59D8) to recombinant hirudin in baboon plasma. Fibrin-targeted hirudin was nine times more effective than recombinant hirudin in inhibiting fibrin deposition on experimental clot surfaces in baboon plasma (P < .01). The potency of fibrin-targeted hirudin was then compared with that of recombinant hirudin in a baboon model of thrombus formation. 111In-labeled platelet deposition was measured in a synthetic graft segment of an extracorporeal arteriovenous shunt in control animals and in animals receiving either fibrin-targeted hirudin or hirudin. In these experiments, fibrin-targeted hirudin was 10-fold more potent than hirudin in inhibiting platelet deposition and thrombus formation (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that targeting a thrombin inhibitors such as hirudin to an epitope present in thrombi results in increased antithrombotic potency.

Animals↗

von Willebrand protein facilitates platelet incorporation in polymerizing fibrin.

von Willebrand protein was found to promote the incorporation of platelets into evolving fibrin thrombi. Using formalin-treated or fresh platelets, both the initial rate and extent of platelet incorporation into polymerizing fibrin were dependent on von Willebrand protein. von Willebrand protein was incorporated into evolving fibrin thrombi in parallel with platelets. Soluble fibrin monomer covalently linked to acrylonitrile beads (Matrex 102) bound von Willebrand protein specifically and saturably with an apparent approximate dissociation constant (KD) of 15 micrograms/ml. Glycocalicin, the water-soluble proteolytic fragment of glycoprotein Ib, bound to fibrin monomer in this system specifically and saturably, as well, with an apparent approximate KD of 5 micrograms/ml, but only in the presence of saturating concentrations of von Willebrand protein. These data demonstrate that the initial rate and extent of platelet incorporation into evolving fibrin thrombi are dependent on von Willebrand protein; von Willebrand protein serves as a link between polymerizing fibrin and platelet surface glycoprotein Ib; and von Willebrand protein binds to fibrin monomer and is thereby able to bind to platelet surface glycoprotein Ib in the absence of ristocetin.

Blood Platelets↗

Fibrin induces release of von Willebrand factor from endothelial cells.

Addition of fibrinogen to human umbilical vein endothelial cells in culture resulted in release of von Willebrand factor (vWf) from Weibel-Palade bodies that was temporally related to formation of fibrin in the medium. Whereas no release occurred before gelation, the formation of fibrin was associated with disappearance of Weibel-Palade bodies and development of extracellular patches of immunofluorescence typical of vWf release. Release also occurred within 10 min of exposure to preformed fibrin but did not occur after exposure to washed red cells, clot liquor, or structurally different fibrin prepared with reptilase. Metabolically labeled vWf was immunopurified from the medium after release by fibrin and shown to consist of highly processed protein lacking pro-vWf subunits. The contribution of residual thrombin to release stimulated by fibrin was minimized by preparing fibrin clots with nonstimulatory concentrations of thrombin and by inhibiting residual thrombin with hirudin or heating. We conclude that fibrin formed at sites of vessel injury may function as a physiologic secretagogue for endothelial cells causing rapid release of stored vWf.

Blood Coagulation↗

Fibrin deposition in SLE glomerulonephritis.

Coagulation and fibrinolytic processes are involved in the pathogenesis of some forms of glomerulonephritis. In human renal disease extensive fibrin deposition is mainly associated with severe diseases such as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Staining methods for fibrin have problems and many immunohistochemical methods do not distinguish fibrinogen from fibrin and its degradation products, which result from coagulation. The presence of cross-linked fibrin in the glomerulus indicates that coagulation has occurred, but the presence of fibrinogen may be a result of non-specific protein permeation. A monoclonal antibody (DD3B6) has been used to demonstrate cross-linked fibrin in 30 renal biopsies in systemic lupus erythematosus. The biopsies were also stained with an 'antifibrinogen' and an antiplatelet antibody. The severity of renal disease in each biopsy was graded by both the World Health Organization (WHO) classification and Austin's Activity and Chronicity Indices. Three of the renal biopsies were shown to stain with DD3B6 and five stained with antiplatelet antibody. Twenty-seven contained fibrinogen and there was no evidence of intraglomerular coagulation in these biopsies. The biopsies containing cross-linked fibrin were all in WHO group IVc. The severity of disease measured by Austin's Activity Index was no greater in these biopsies than in other biopsies in WHO Group IVc in which cross-linked fibrin was not detected. The presence of cross-linked fibrin may be associated with intraglomerular coagulation and more severe disease.

Antigens, Human Platelet↗

Aberrant fibrin formation and cross-linking of fibrinogen Nieuwegein, a variant with a shortened Aalpha-chain, alters endothelial capillary tube formation.

A congenital dysfibrinogenemia, fibrinogen(Nieuwegein), was discovered in a young man without any thromboembolic complications or bleeding. A homozygous insertion of a single nucleotide (C) in codon Aalpha 453 (Pro) introduced a stop codon at position 454, which resulted in the deletion of the carboxyl-terminal segment Aalpha 454-610. The ensuing unpaired cysteine at Aalpha 442 generated fibrinogen-albumin complexes of different molecular weights. The molecular abnormalities of fibrinogen(Nieuwegein) led to a delayed clotting and a fibrin network with a low turbidity. Electron microscopy confirmed that thin fibrin bundles were organized in a fine network. The use of fibrinogen(Nieuwegein)-derived fibrin (fibrin(Nieuwegein)) in an in vitro angiogenesis model resulted in a strong reduction of tube formation. The ingrowth of human microvascular endothelial cells (hMVEC) was independent of alpha(v)beta(3), indicating that the reduced ingrowth is not due to the absence of the RGD-adhesion site at position Aalpha 572-574. Rather, the altered structure of fibrin(Nieuwegein) is the cause, since partial normalization of the fibrin network by lowering the pH during polymerization resulted in an increased tube formation. Whereas factor XIIIa further decreased the ingrowth of hMVEC in fibrin(Nieuwegein), tissue transglutaminase (TG), which is released in areas of vessel injury, did not. This is in line with the absence of the cross-linking site for TG in the alpha-chains of fibrinogen(Nieuwegein). In conclusion, this newly discovered congenital dysfibrinogenemia has a delayed clotting time and leads to the formation of an altered fibrin structure, which could not be cross-linked by TG and which is less supportive for ingrowth of endothelial cells.

Adult↗

Fibronectin provides a conduit for fibroblast transmigration from collagenous stroma into fibrin clot provisional matrix.

After injury, the wound space is filled with a fibrin/fibronectin clot containing growth factors released by platelets and monocytes. In response to these factors, fibroblasts migrate into the fibrin clot and contribute to the formation of granulation tissue. The functional mechanisms allowing fibroblasts to leave the collagenous matrix of normal connective tissue and invade the provisional matrix of the fibrin clot have not been fully defined. To investigate these mechanisms we established a new in vitro model which simulates specific aspects of early wound healing, that is, the migration of fibroblasts from a three-dimensional collagen matrix into a fibrin clot. This transmigration could be induced by physiological concentrations of platelet releasate or platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) in a concentration-dependent manner. At 24 hours irradiated fibroblasts invaded the fibrin gel almost as well as non-irradiated cells, indicating that transmigration was independent of proliferation. Plasminogen and its activators appear to be necessary for invasion of the fibrin clot since protease inhibitors decreased the amount of migration. These serine proteases, however, were not necessary for exit from the collagen gel as fibroblasts migrated out of the collagen gel onto a surface coated with fibrin fibrils even in the presence of inhibitors. Removal of fibronectin (FN) from either the collagen gel or the fibrin gel markedly decreased the number of migrating cells, suggesting that FN provides a conduit for transmigration. Cell movement in the in vitro model was inhibited by RGD peptide, and by monoclonal antibodies against the subunits of the alpha5 beta1 and alpha v beta3 integrin receptor. Thus, the functional requirements for fibroblast transmigration from collagen-rich to fibrin-rich matrices, such as occurs in early wound healing, have been partially defined using an in vitro paradigm of this important biologic process.

Antigens, CD↗

Hyaluronan stimulates tumor cell migration by modulating the fibrin fiber architecture.

The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, which supports tumor cell migration and metastasis, interferes with fibrin polymerization and leads to increased fiber size and porosity of fibrin clots. Here we have studied the proportionate effect of fibrin polymerization on hyaluronan-mediated migration of glioblastoma cells. The structural and physical properties of hyaluronan-containing fibrin gels were analyzed by turbidity measurement, laser scanning microscopy, compaction assay, and calculation of pore size by liquid permeation. When fibrin polymerized in the presence of hyaluronan or dextran, the resulting gels strongly stimulated cell migration, and migration significantly correlated with fiber mass-to-length ratios and pore diameters. In contrast, cell migration was not induced by addition of hyaluronan to supernatants of already polymerized gels. Hyaluronan-mediated migration was inhibited in fibrin gels by antibodies to alphav- and beta1integrins and the disintegrin echistatin, but not by antibodies to the hyaluronan receptor CD44 (up to 50 microg/ml). As a control, we show that anti-CD44 (10 microg/ml) inhibited cell migration on a pure hyaluronan matrix using a two-dimensional Boyden chamber system. In contrast to three-dimensional migration, the migration of cells on the surfaces of variably structured fibrin gels was not significantly different, indicating that increased gel permeability (porosity) may account for hyaluronan-mediated migration. We conclude that, in complex three-dimensional substrates, the predominant effect of hyaluronan on cell migration might be indirect and requires modulation of fibrin polymerization.

Animals↗

Sialic acid in fibrinogen: effects of sialic acid on fibrinogen-fibrin conversion by thrombin and properties of asialofibrin clot.

The final stage in a series of blood coagulating reactions is fibrinogen-fibrin conversion by thrombin. This reaction consists of fibrinopeptide A and fibrinopeptide B release, polymerization of fibrin monomer, and stabilized fibrin formation by factor XIII. The latter two reactions require calcium. In the present study there was no difference in the rate of thrombin-induced fibrinopeptide release between fibrinogen and asialofibrinogen where sialic acid in the terminal end of carbohydrate moiety of fibrinogen was removed by neuraminidase, but turbidity associated with asialofibrin clot formation was increased more rapidly. In asialo-derivatives, the dissolution time of the clots in high concentrated urea solution tended to be shortened and rigidity as a gel tended to be decreased. In measurement by thromboelastography there was no difference in the reaction time (r) between fibrinogen and asialofibrinogen, but the maximum amplitude (ma) was obviously decreased in asialofibrinogen. Furthermore, when the rate of cross-link formation between gamma chains by F-XIII was compared, the production of gamma-dimer in the same reaction time was found to be lower and formation of stabilized fibrin tended to be retarded in asialofibrinogen. Sialic acid in fibrinogen thus may clearly influence the polymerization of fibrin-monomer and the formation of cross-linked fibrin in a series of reactions for fibrinogen-fibrin conversion. This may be consistent with the theory that fibrinogen sialic acid residues are low affinity calcium-binding sites and influence fibrin assembly.

Asialoglycoproteins↗

Involvement of protease inhibitors in staphylokinase-induced fibrin-specific fibrinolysis.

We compared the fibrinolytic properties of recombinant staphylokinase (SAK), a fibrin-specific plasminogen activator, with those of streptokinase and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) by means of the amidolytic method. We also investigated the involvement of alpha 2-macroglobulin, C1-inactivator and alpha 1-antitrypsin in SAK-induced fibrin-specific fibrinolysis. Both SAK and t-PA activated plasminogen efficiently in the presence of fibrin in human plasma. Although t-PA activated plasminogen dependently on fibrin in the reconstituted plasma system, SAK activated plasminogen independently of fibrin without alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor (alpha 2-antiplasmin, alpha 2-PI). These findings suggest that fibrin and alpha 2-PI play important roles in plasminogen activation by SAK but not by t-PA. Furthermore, protease inhibitors such as alpha 2-PI, alpha 2-macroglobulin, C1-inactivator and alpha 1-antitrypsin inhibited plasminogen activation by SAK and the inhibitory actions of these protease inhibitors disappeared in the presence of fibrin. This shows that alpha 2-macroglobulin, C1-inactivator and alpha 1-antitrypsin, other than alpha 2-PI, contribute to the fibrin-specificity of SAK.

Amino Acid Sequence↗