Articles

Activation of Fibrinolysis by a L ymphogenic Activator in the Rat

---

Abstract

The plasminogen concentration in rat lymph was found to be on average 40% of the plasma concentration. The antiplasmin level was only 27% of the plasma level. On heated fibrin plates a distinct fibrinolysis in the lymph, collected over a period of 7 days, was found. The simultaneous lack of enzymatic activity in the plasma suggested the presence of a lymphogenic activator. Further evidence for the importance of the Jymphogenic activator in blood fibrinolysis was found: plasminogen determinations performed in rat plasma during a period of 7 days of continuous lymph flow revealed significantly higher values compared to a control group. The euglobulin lysis time in the plasma of cannulated animals was significantly prolonged. The plasminogen consumption in the control animals was interpreted as being due to a continuous stress-induced activation of blood fibrinolysis by the lymphogenic activator.

The presence of coagulation factors in the lymph of experimental animals and humans is well established (I) but rather little is known about the fibrinolytic system of the lymph. Although a high content of plasminogen activator in human lymph nodes has been reported (2) no data are available concerning its significance in lymph and plasma fibrinolysis. The present communication deals with determinations of some components of the fibrinolytic system in rat lymph and rat plasma during the course of a long-term cannulation of the thoracic duct.

How to Cite:

Hilgard, P. & Hohage, R., (1972) “Activation of Fibrinolysis by a L ymphogenic Activator in the Rat”, Lymphology 5(4), 152-155.