Changes in plasminogen levels, plasmin activity and activity of antiplasmins during endotoxin shock in dogs

Antiplasmin activity was studied during various stages of lethal canine endotoxin shock by means of assays utilizing a new chromogenic tripeptide derivative (S-2251 AB Kabi Peptide Research Division, Mölndal, Sweden). By applying a preincubation time of 30 sec and 5 min, respectively, 'immediate' and 'time-dependent' antiplasmin activities were determined. During shock gradually decreasing values of 'immediate' antiplasmin activity was observed. 'Time-dependent' antiplasmin activity also revealed a decreasing pattern, these changes, however, were less pronounced when compared with 'immediate' antiplasmin activity. The changes of plasma antiplasmin activities observed were accompanied by decreasing values of plasminogen and evidence of plasmin activity. alpha-Antitrypsin and alpha2-Macroglobulin quantitated with electroimmunoassay technique also revealed decreasing patterns during shock.