Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Fibrin Polymerization

Summary

Fibrinogen clotting has been studied by means of the spin echo technique. Magnetic transversal T₂ and longitudinal T₁ relaxation times were measured during fibrin formation.

Human fibrinogen was clotted by means of thrombin, papain and reptilase, which were used in three different concentrations.

The time relations of T₂ in the studied system reflect, among others, limitation of freedom of movement of molecules of fibrinogen in the process of formation of the fibrin clot. Distinct differences were found related to the concentration and type of enzyme used to clot fibrinogen.

Comparison of the results obtained by the spin echo technique with results of measurements of optical density and thromboelastographic measurements led to the conclusion that the study of relaxation times T₁ and T₂ provides new information relative to fibrin formation, mainly with reference to increasing rigidity of the fibrin network and binding of water in it. This information is significant in that it determines quantitatively the degree of limitation of movement of molecules in the fibrin clot and characterizes its functional value. This conclusion was confirmed by the thromboelastographic studies, which allowed correlation of the changes in T₂ time with mechanical properties of the clot.

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