Aminocaproic Acid

SummaryThis report describes the binding of plasminogen to fibrinogen adsorbed onto polystyrene wells. Binding was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Both glu- and lys-plasminogen bound to immobilized fibrinogen in a dose-dependent fashion. However, more lys- than glu-plasminogen bound when equal concentrations of either were added to immobilized fibrinogen. Plasminogen binding was inhibited by epsilon aminocaproic acid indicating that binding was mediated via lysine-binding regions of plasminogen. Soluble fibrinogen added in excess of immobilized fibrinogen did not compete for plasminogen binding but fibrinogen fragments produced by plasmin digestion of fibrinogen did. Treatment of immobilized fibrinogen with thrombin caused a small but significant (p <0.01) increase in plasminogen binding. These studies demonstrate that immobilized fibrinogen binds both glu- and lys-plasminogen and that binding is mediated via lysine-binding regions. These interactions may facilitate plasminogen binding to fibrinogen adsorbed on to surfaces and to cells such as platelets which bind fibrinogen.

Summary and Conclusion1. It has been found that EACA does not inhibit activation of human plasminogen into plasmin by SK and UK in a concentration of 5 × 10–2 M. The activation of bovine plasminogen by SK and UK is inhibited by this concentration of EACA but not by a lower one.2. EACA in concentrations of 1,5 × 10–1 – 10–4 M does not inhibit casein proteolysis by plasmin. The proteolysis of fibrinogen and fibrin measured by the release of TCA soluble tyrosine is inhibited by EACA in concentrations of 1,5 × 10–1 – 10–2 M.3. The lysis of non-stabilized clots by plasmin measured in a test tube was inhibited by an EACA concentration of 5 × 10–3 – 5 × 10–4 M. The lysis of stabilized clots by plasmin was inhibited by an EACA concentration of 10–5 M.4. On the basis of experimental findings and data given in literature the authors postulate that the mechanism of the antifibrinolytic effects of EACA consists mainly in a modification of plasmin action on fibrin. These effects are dependent on the structure of the fibrin clots.

SummaryEarlier, we found that ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA) inhibited human platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and collagen, but not aggregation by arachidonic acid (AA). Since EACA is structurally similar to lysine, yet these two agents exhibit vast difference in their antifibrinolytic activities, we chose to study the effect of lysine on platelet aggregation. We used L-lysine-HCl in these studies because of its high solubility in aqueous solutions while causing no change in pH when added to human plasma. With lysine, we repeatedly found inhibition of ADP-, collagen- and ristocetin-induced aggregation, but potentiation of AA-induced aggregation. Both the inhibitory and potentiation effects were dose-dependent. Low doses of lysine inhibited the secondary phase of aggregation; high doses of it also inhibited the primary phase of aggregation. Potentiation of AA-induced aggregation was accompanied by increased release of serotonin and formation of malondialdehyde. These effects were not confined to human platelets; rat platelets were similarly affected. Platelets, exposed to lysine and then washed and resuspended in an artificial medium not containing lysine, remained hypersensitive to AA, but no longer showed decreased aggregation by collagen. Comparing the effects of lysine with equimolar concentrations of sucrose, EACA, and α-amino-n-butyric acid, we attribute the potent inhibitory effect of lysine to either the excess positive charge or H+ and C1− ions. The -NH2 group on the α-carbon on lysine appears to be the determining factor for the potentiation effect; the effect seems to be exerted on the cyclooxygenase level of AA metabolism. Lysine and other chemicals with platelet-affecting properties similar to lysine may be used as a tool for the study of the many aspects of a platelet aggregation reaction.

SummaryPlasminogen binds to endothelial and blood cells as well as to fibrin, where the zymogen is efficiently activated and protected from inhibition by α2-antiplasmin. In the present study we have found that complestatin, a peptide-like metabolite of a streptomyces, enhances binding of plasminogen to cells and fibrin. Complestatin, at concentrations ranging from 1 to 5 μM, doubled 125I-plasminogen binding to U937 cells both in the absence and presence of lipoprotein(a), a putative physiological competitor of plasminogen. The binding of 125I-plasminogen in the presence of complestatin was abolished by e-aminocaproic acid, suggesting that the lysine binding site(s) of the plasminogen molecule are involved in the binding. Equilibrium binding analyses indicated that complestatin increased the maximum binding of 125I-plasminogen to U937 cells without affecting the binding affinity. Complestatin was also effective in increasing 125I-plasminogen binding to fibrin, causing 2-fold elevation of the binding at ~1 μM. Along with the potentiation of plasminogen binding, complestatin enhanced plasmin formation, and thereby increased fibrinolysis. These results would provide a biochemical basis for a pharmacological stimulation of endogenous fibrinolysis through a promotion of plasminogen binding to cells and fibrin.

SummaryInhibitor of kallikrein and trypsin (KI) extracted from bovine parotis was compared with ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA): both substances inhibit fibrinolysis induced with streptokinase. EACA is a strong inhibitor of fibrinolysis in concentrations higher than 0, 1 mg per ml plasma. The same amount and higher concentrations are not able to inhibit completely the proteolytic-side reactions of fibrinolysis (fibrinogenolysis, diminution of factor V, rise of fibrin-polymerization-inhibitors). KI inhibits well proteolysis of plasma components in concentrations higher than 2,5 units per ml plasma. Much higher amounts of KI are needed to inhibit fibrinolysis as demonstrated by our in vivo and in vitro tests.Combination of the two substances for clinical use is suggested. Therapeutic possibilities are discussed.

: A spectrophotometry was investigated for the determination of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) with p-nitrophenol (PNP). The method was based on a charge transfer (CT) complexation of this drug as n-electron donor with π-acceptor PNP. Experiment indicated that the CT complexation was carried out at room temperature for 10 minutes in dimethyl sulfoxide solvent. The spectrum obtained for EACA/PNP system showed the maximum absorption band at wavelength of 425 nm. The stoichiometry of the CT complex was found to be 1:1 ratio by Job’s method between the donor and the acceptor. Different variables affecting the complexation were carefully studied and optimized. At the optimum reaction conditions, Beer’s law was obeyed in a concentration limit of 1～6 µg mL-1. The relative standard deviation was less than 2.9%. The apparent molar absoptivity was determined to be 1.86×104 L mol-1cm-1 at 425 nm. The CT complexation was also confirmed by both FTIR and 1H NMR measurements. The thermodynamic properties and reaction mechanism of the CT complexation have been discussed. The developed method could be applied successfully for the determination of the studied compound in its pharmaceutical dosage forms with a good precision and accuracy compared to official method as revealed by t- and F-tests.