Experimental protein-losing gastroenteropathy: role of tissue plasminogen activator

The tissue fibrinolytic activity of intestinal mucosa was studied in rats with protein-losing gastroenteropathies experimentally produced by X-irradiation, 5-fluorouracil treatment, or ligation of the thoracic duct. The first two models showed an increase of fibrinolytic activity and of 131I-polyvinylpyrrolidone excretion and the third showed normal fibrinolysis. In addition, it was demonstrated that 131I-polyvinylpyrrolidone excretion in the first two groups was markedly reduced by injections of trans-4-aminomethyl cyclohexane carboxylic acid, a potent antiplasmin agent. This finding affords strong support to the authors' previous clinical observation that tissue fibrinolysis in the digestive mucosa plays an important role in the pathogenesis of protein-losing gastroenteropathy associated with diseases of the mucosa.