Pentosan polysulphate causes an increase in plasminogen activator activity in plasma
both after oral ingestion and after subcutaneous injection. The effect is greatest
after 3 h and has disappeared by 6 h. Repeat doses by mouth over 5 days elicit a similar
response. The recorded increase in activity is due largely to the release of tissue-type
plasminogen activator (tPA) from the endothelium according to the antigen assay although
there could be a small contribution from Factor XH-related “intrinsic” fibrinolysis
induced in vitro. SP54 enhances activity ex vivo by a non-specific surface effect, and this phenomenon
may contribute the increased levels of activity seen in vitro. Administration of SP54 to animals elicits a similar increase in activator activity,
the intramuscular route being slightly more effective. Results with an inferior vena
cava thrombosis model in the rat suggest that pentosan polysulphate may induce a thrombolytic
effect.
Key words
Pentosan polysulphate - Stimulation of fibrinolysis - Plasminogen activator - Rat
thrombus model - Oral ingestion
