Proteolytic Capacity in Human Plasma Part II Genetics, and clinical study

Abstract

The maximal proteolytic activity that can be generated in plasma with the inhibitors present is termed proteolytic capacity, and it has previously been shown that a marked inter-individual variation exists. By testing many normal persons several times, it was demonstrated that each individual has a rather stable level of proteolytic capacity. In family studies it was shown that the property ‘low proteolytic capacity’ (LPC) was inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The property ‘high proteolytic capacity’ (HPC) was also genetically determined, but no clear-cut mode of inheritance could be found. Study of monozygotic twins also confirmed that the proteolytic capacity was genetically determined. Increased tendency to thrombosis did not occur in families with LPC.

Key Words:

• Family studies
• genetics
• plasminogen
• proteolytic capacity
• twins