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.
