Components of the fibrinolytic system in synovial joints. Normal bovine compared with normal and abnormal human synovial joints.

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Abstract
Qualitative studies of the components of the fibrinolytic system as they exist in diseased joints were compared with the findings in normal joints to explain the persistence of fibrin in rheumatoid arthritis. Plasminogen and proactlvator were found in normal and abnormal human synovial fluid. Activator was found in the cartilage, synovial membrane, and capsule of normal and abnormal human joints and normal bovine tissues. Fibrinogen was present in the synovial fluid of diseased joints, but not in normal joint fluid. Plasminogen but no proactlvator was present in bovine synovial fluid. The finding of plasmin in 2 gouty joints was unexpected but fits in well with a concept recently put forward to explain the mechanism of the acute attack of gout. The role of the fibrinolytic system in traumatic hemarthrosis and. in chronic arthritis where fibrin persists is briefly discussed.