Solubilization of a Tissue-Bound Activator of Plasminogen under Physiological Conditions

Abstract

The extraction of a tissue-bound activator of plasminogen under physiological conditions is effected by an autolytic release mechanism. Solubilization of activator is achieved by incubating pre-washed organ tissue homogenates (porcine lung or heart) for 6 h at room temperature, in phosphate-saline buffer, pH 7.3 to 7.4. The clear extracts which are devoid of cells or cell debris, exhibit plasminogen activating properties. The influence of extraction duration, pH and temperature on the yield of activator and spontaneous proteolytic activity is discussed. This procedure gives activator preparations comparable with those of previously published methods.