A substance produced by body tissues that prevents abnormal blood clotting. Also called TPA, it is produced by the inner lining of blood vessels. TPA can be prepared artificially for use as a thrombolytic drug, which is called alteplase. This is used in the treatment of myocardial infarction, severe angina pectoris, and arterial embolism, including pulmonary embolism. Possible side effects include bleeding or the formation of a haematoma at the injection site and an allergic reaction. (See also fibrinolysis.)
Tissue-plasminogen activator |
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