INHIBITION OF PLASMINOGEN-ACTIVATOR ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC GRANULOMATOUS INFLAMMATION

Extracts of livers from noninfected and schistosome infected mice were assayed for inhibitor activity against plasmin and urokinase using synthetic chromogenic and fluorogenic substrates. Antiurokinase activity was found only in extracts from granulomatous livers of infected mice, whereas a small amount of antiplasmin activity was present in extracts from livers of noninfected as well as infected mice. The urokinase inhibition was rapid, time dependent, stoichiometric, and apparently irreversible. It is postulated that inhibitors of plasminogen activation serve to limit fibrinolysis in tissue during the development of schistosomiasis-induced granulomatous inflammation. © 1979.