[Effect of molsidomine on fibrinolytic activity: a double-blind, randomized study]

The influence of molsidomine on endogenous fibrinolytic activity was studied in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 12 male healthy volunteers. When measured 3 h after oral intake of molsidomine (16 mg, slow-release formulation) the activity of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in plasma was significantly increased from 1.1 +/- 0.1 to 1.6 +/- 0.1 IU/ml. In contrast, the activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-I) decreased from 17 +/- 2 to 12 +/- 1 AU/ml. The ratio of t-PA/PAI-I (x 100), calculated as index for the endogenous fibrinolytic activity increased significantly from 8.1 +/- 1.1 to 14.5 +/- 1.6. The ratio was unaltered after intake of placebo. Additionally, collagen-induced platelet aggregation was significantly inhibited following intake of molsidomine. The results demonstrate a significant increase in endogenous fibrinolytic activity after oral intake of molsidomine. These effects may be of therapeutic value in patients with coronary heart disease and unstable angina.