Urokinase E.P.

Urokinase, also called urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), is a serine protease. The primary physiological substrate is plasminogen, which is an inactive zymogen form of the serine protease plasmin. Activation of plasmin triggers a proteolysis cascade that, depending on the physiological environment, participates in thrombolysis or extracellular matrix degradation. This links Urokinase to vascular diseases and cancer.

Structure

The highly purified Urokinase (human urine origin) mainly exists in two molecular weight forms. The higher molecular weight form is about 54,000 Da, and the low molecular weight form is about 33,000 Da. Urokinase is a 411-residue protein, consisting of three domains: the serine protease domain, the kringle domain, and the growth factor domain. Urokinase is synthesized as a zymogen form (single-chain urokinase), and is activated by proteolytic cleavage between L158 and I159. The two resulting chains are kept together by a disulfide bond.

Therapeutic Indication

Urokinase is used clinically as a thrombolytic agent in the treatment of severe or massive deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and occluded intravenous or dialysis cannulas. It is also administered intrapleurally to improve the drainage of complicated pleural effusions and empyemas.