Fibrin deposits and fibrinolysis in pre and early stages of arteriosclerosis
Kopeć, M.
Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Innere Medizin und ihre Grenzgebiete 33(17): 613-615
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-2542 PMID: 151992 Document Number: 126006
Already in the early stages of atherosclerosis still before the appearance of coarsely visible changes subendothelially fibrin-like material is found in the places of predilection known, which reveals electron-microscopically the typical periodicity. Lesions of the endothelium with increase of permeability, release of coagulation factors and mitogenic substances which stimulate the proliferation of smooth muscle cells always precede. There are several mechanisms for the penetration of fibrinogen or fibrin into the vascular wall, the proportion of which changes with the progressing of the atherosclerosis. They are discussed in detail. Mechanisms of fibrinolysis, in which plasmin or activators of plasmin occupy a key position, effect against this process. By histochemical estimation of this activator the fibrinolytical potential of the vascular system can be investigated under various clinical conditions. For this a series of instances is cited.