BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Streptokinase is an extracellular metallo-enzyme produced by beta-haemolytic streptococcus and is used as an effective and cheap clot-dissolving medication in some cases of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and pulmonary embolism.

It belongs to a group of medications known as fibrinolytics, and works by activating plasminogen through cleavage to produce plasmin.

CLINICAL USE

For the treatment of acute evolving transmural myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, arterial thrombosis or embolism and occlusion of arteriovenous cannulae.

MODE OF ACTION

Streptokinase cleaves the Arg/Val bond in plasminogen to form plasmin. Plasmin degrades fibrin clots as well as fibrinogen and other plasma proteins. This in turn leads to the degradation of blood clots.

SPECIFICATIONS