The Effect of Streptokinase on the Plasma Heparin Thrombin Time

Abstract

A preliminary investigation showed that streptokinase in vitro — at least when used in high concentrations — increased the plasma heparin resistance measured by the heparin thrombin time. The greatest changes in the thrombin time occurred only with considerably higher streptokinase concentrations than are necessary for optimal activation of the fibrinolytic system. The effect did not seem to be associated with plasminogen activation even in orientating experiments with e-aminocaproic acid. The phenomenou may be of significance for the interpretation of the heparin tolerance test in certain cases.