On the aggregation of fibrinogen molecules

Aggregates of human and bovine fibrinogen were obtained under various conditions, ranging from segment-like precipitates to highly ordered paracrystals and crystals. Their biochemical characterization and the interpretation of their banding pattern by electron optical means was attempted. The observed extra vivum aggregation of fibrinogen without thrombin action, i.e. without cleavage of fibrino-peptides A and B is of particular interest with regard to Copley's theory of the endoendothelial fibrin lining. The in vivo formation of such fibrinogen gels is discussed.