plasmin

A serine proteinase hydrolyzing peptides and esters of l-arginine and l-lysine and converting fibrin to soluble products; occurs in plasma as the precursor plasminogen (profibrinolysin) and is activated to p. by organic solvents, which remove an inhibitor, and by streptokinase, trypsin, and plasminogen activator, all cleaving a single arginyl-valyl bond; p. is responsible for the dissolution of blood clots. SYN: fibrinase (2), fibrinolysin.

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plas·min -mən n a proteolytic enzyme that dissolves the fibrin of blood clots

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(fibrinolysin)

n.

an enzyme that digests the protein fibrin. Its function is the dissolution of blood clots (see fibrinolysis). Plasmin is not normally present in the blood but exists as an inactive precursor, plasminogen.

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plas·min (plazґmin) [EC 3.4.21.7] a serine endopeptidase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds on the carboxyl side of lysine or arginine residues. The enzyme occurs in plasma as plasminogen, which is activated via cleavage by the plasminogen activators prourokinase, u-plasminogen activator (urokinase), and t-plasminogen (tissue plasminogen activator). Plasmin solubilizes fibrin clots and also degrades various proteins including fibrinogen and coagulation factors V and VII. Plasminogen is activated for therapeutic thrombolysis by recombinant forms of physiologic activators and by streptokinase, a streptococcal enzyme. Bovine plasmin is used for the dйbridement of wounds. Called also fibrinolysin.