[Recent progress and perspectives in the field of fibrinolysis]

Employing newly developed imaging techniques, the spatio-temporal regulatory mechanism of fibrinolysis by platelets and vascular endothelial cells has been clarified. Upon activation, platelets release polyphosphate and inhibitors of fibrinolysis, and modify fibrin fibers which are relatively resistant to fibrinolysis. Platelets, in turn, initiate fibrinolysis. The details of the mechanism by which vascular endothelial cells (VECs) maintain high fibrinolytic potential, as well as how VECs develop anti-fibrinolytic activity, have also been clarified. These mechanisms as well as their modifications in response to inflammation are discussed herein. Newly developed drugs targeting fibrinolytic components are also introduced.