THE LYSIS IN RABBITS OF INTRAVASCULAR BLOOD CLOTS BY THE STREPTOCOCCAL FIBRINOLYTIC SYSTEM (STREPTOKINASE)

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Abstract
1. Based upon quantitative estimations of the factors that promote or retard the development and activity of the streptococcal fibrinolytic phenomenon, an active lytic system was developed within the circulating blood stream of rabbits following the intravenous infusion of streptokinase. During the infusion of adequate doses of SK, an active lytic system was observed to be present within 30 minutes following the beginning of the experiment and remained present for periods of time ranging from 1 to 20 hours depending primarily upon the concentration of SK and the duration of the infusion. Some of the biochemical changes accompanying the lytic system in vivo were: (a) a striking fall in the plasminogen; (b) a moderate fall in the serum inhibitor and the fibrinogen; and, (c) a rise in the acid-soluble nitrogen. These changes were usually self-terminating within 24 hours following the infusion of SK. In earlier studies similar trends were observed in the chest fluid of patients with hemothorax and empyema treated locally with streptokinase (22).