Immunogen |
Native plasminogen is a single polypeptide chain, synthesized in the liver. Its molecular weight has been reported to be 81,000 and 92,000. Part of the molecule contains the active serine esterase of plasmin. On activation it is converted to two polypeptide chains linked by disulphide bridges. Three different abnormal molecular forms of plasminogen have been described. Normal adult plasma contains 10-20 mg/100 ml plasminogen. Different congenital molecular structure abnormalities associated with recurrent thrombosis have been described, but are extremely rare. In liver disease plasminogen activity may be reduced. Freund’s complete adjuvant is used in the first step of the immunization procedure. |