Effects of Ellagic Acid upon the Human Fibrinolytic System^[*]

Summary

Suitable test systems are described for demonstrating a fibrinolysis enhancing effect of ellagic acid (in vitro), which resembles that of other surface-active agents (e. g., kaolin) in its dependence upon Hageman factor activation, but differs in certain relatively minor particulars. These differences may be explained, at least in part, by demonstrated inhibitory actions of ellagic acid, also shown in suitable test systems. Balances between activations and inhibitions may very well depend on particular types of surface. In the complex interplay between plasma factor and surfaces resides, in all probability, the balances between clotting (or thrombosis) and fibrinolysis (or thrombolysis), upon which depend the integrity and functions of the blood-flow systems, and the understanding of bleeding and thrombosis problems.

^* This study was aided by USPHS Research Grant HE-01510, and the NIH-UNC Institutional Research Grant HE-06350 for Thrombosis Research.

^** Postal Address: Athena Clinic, Victor Hugo st. 12, Athinai, Greece.

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