Plasminogen
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The reference values (norm) of the content of plasminogen in the blood plasma are 80-120%.
Plasminogen (profibrinolysin) is an inactive precursor of the enzyme plasmin (fibrinolysin). Determination of plasminogen is crucial for assessing the state of the fibrinolytic system.
The plasmin system includes four main components: plasminogen, plasmin, activators of fibrinolysis proenzymes and its inhibitors. Plasminogen is converted into plasmin under the influence of physiological activators - substances that activate fibrinolysis. They can be plasma, tissue and exogenous (bacterial) origin. Tissue activators are formed in the tissues of the prostate gland, lungs, uterus, placenta, liver, vascular wall. Activators of plasminogen are contained in secretory fluids (they include, in particular, urokinase, produced in the kidneys). Exogenous activator of plasminogen bacterial origin (streptokinase) activates plasminogen, forming an active complex with it.
The plasmin system is primarily designed for lysis of fibrin, although plasmin can easily destroy fibrinogen, factors V, VIII, and others. A powerful antiplasmin system (α 1 -antitrypsin, α 2 -AP, α 2 -macroglobulin, ATIII) protects these proteins from the action of plasmin, focusing its action on fibrin.
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