BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Urokinase also called urokinase-type Plasminogen Activator (uPA), is a serine protease. Urokinase was originally isolated from human urine, but is present in several physiological locations, such as blood stream and the extracellular matrix.

CLINICAL USE

Urokinase is used clinically as a thrombolytic agent in the treatment of severe or massive deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and occluded intravenous or dialysis cannulas.

MODE OF ACTION

Urokinase acts on the endogenous fibrinolytic system. It cleaves the Arg-Val bond in plasminogen to produce active plasmin. Plasmin degrades fibrin clots as well as fibrinogen and other plasma proteins.

SPECIFICATIONS