[Alternative ways of fibrinolysis]

This study surveys our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of fibrinolysis; the plasmin activity and the formation of the enzyme (plasminogen activation and its regulation). The author tries to indicate the cause of clinical problems arising from the limitations of our present knowledge. On the basis of these and the most recent data (not available yet in handbooks), he attempts to call the attention of physicians to molecular and cellular reactions, which may modify our concept on the fibrinolysis.