Studies on the fibrinolytic activity of the human female genital tract

The success of a fibrin glue depends on the correct admixture of fibrinogen, thrombin, and the proteinase inhibitor aprotinin. Using a modification of Astrups method we measured the fibrinolytic activity of surgical specimens of human fallopian tube and uterus. Increasing concentrations of aprotinin were added until there was complete inhibition of fibrinolysis. The fallopian tube and the uterus had higher intrinsic fibrinolytic activity than peripheral nerve tissue. At concentrations of between 10 and 20 KIU of aprotinin, fibrinolysis was blocked in all tissues studied.