Plasmin--alpha 2-antiplasmin complex as an indicator of in vivo fibrinolysis

alpha 2-Antiplasmin is the principal plasma inhibitor of plasmin, with which it rapidly and irreversibly forms a complex. The simple technique of crossed immunoelectrophoresis against antiserum to alpha 2-antiplasmin has been applied to detect plasmin-alpha 2-antiplasmin complex in plasma. The presence of this complex is demonstrated in patients in whom overactive fibrinolysis was the only or major contributor to severe haemorrhagic disorders arising spontaneously.