Effects of Various Fibrinolytic Agents on the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of the Cardiovascular System

The effects of fibrinolytic agents Brinase, Brmolase (enzymes isolated from aspergillus oryzae) and Thrombolysin (streptokinase and human plasmin) on the cardiovascular system of dogs and rabbits have been determined by the following methods: (a) electro-phoretic mobility of canine erythrocytes and platelets; (b) alterations of the vascular intimal surface charge as determined by electroosmosis and streaming potentials; (c) alterations in platelet and erythrocytes adhesion characteristics; (d) changes in coagulability of blood as demonstrated by several standard determinations; (e) histology of rabbit blood vessels, and (f) scanning electron microscopy of canine blood vessels. The results indicate that Brinase at 2 mg/kg increases the net negative surface charge of the vascular intima. There is a byphasic response in altering the electrophoretic mobility of erythrocytes and blood platelets, an initial increase in the surface negativity followed by a return to normal after two days. Brinase reduces platelet adhesion to a metal surface as well as to the vascular intima. Histologic examination of hyperlipidemic rabbit vessels indicates that Brinase is effective in reducing fat infiltration with a minimal amount of destruction to the vascular wall. Brinolase has been administered at doses 4.3 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg. The former being a full proteolytic dose results in irreversible incoagulability, total proteloysis and usually death of the animal. At 1 mg/kg the hematologic and physico-chemical effects on the cardiovascular system are similar to those produced by Brinase. The overall effects of Thrombolysin are comparable to those induced by Brinase at 2.0 mg/kg in the long term study.