Description of new fibrinolytic enzyme, isolated from the haemolymph of Rhodnius prolixus Stal (Heteroptera Reduviidae).

ABSTRACT

A new fibrinolytic enzyme, isolated from the haemolymph of Rhodnius prolixus Stal (Heteroptera, Reduviidae) has been discovered. This enzyme does not act by activating plasminogen to plasmin. However, the split products obtained with this new enzyme inhibit fibrin formation in normal plasma. This enzyme seems to act specifically on the proteins involved in blood coagulation. Its origin has induced us to name it prolixase.