Urokinase is serine protease enzyme isolated from human urine and from human kidney cells by tissue culture or by recombinant DNA technology.
UROKINASE
Synonym
Uroquinase.
Biological Source
Urokinase is serine protease enzyme isolated from human
urine and from human kidney cells by tissue culture or by recombinant DNA
technology.
Preparation
Urokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme produced by recombinant
DNA using genetically manipulated E. coli
cells. It is produced firstly as prourokinase q.v. and then converted to active
form by plasmin or kallikrein. Urokinase used medicinally is also purified
directly from human urine. It binds to a range of adsorbents such as silica gel
or kaolin which can be use to initially concentrate and purify the product. It
can be further purified by precipitation with sodium chloride or ethanol or by
chromatography. Human urokinase needs sterile filtration, a septic filling and
freeze drying.
Characteristics
Urokinase enzyme occurs in two different forms as single and
double polypeptide chain forms. It has a half-life of 10–16 minutes after
intravenous administration. These enzymes act on an endogenous fibrinolytic
system.
Chemical Constituents
Urokinase enzymes are serine proteases that occur as a
single low molecular weight (33 kDa) and double, high molecular weight (54 kDa)
polypeptide chain forms. They differ in molecular weight considerably. A single
chain is produced by recombinant DNA technique and is known as SCUPA.
Uses
Urokinase is used in the treatment of pulmonary embolism,
coronary artery thrombosis and for restoring the potency of intravenous
catheters. It is generally administered intra-venously in a dose of 4,400
units/kg body weight per hour for twelve hours.
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