Fibrin Health Dictionary

Fibrin: From 3 Different Sources


A substance that is produced in the blood during the process of blood clotting.

A dissolved protein called fibrinogen is converted to fibrin, which forms long filaments that bind clumps of platelets and other blood cells into a mass which plugs the bleeding point.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
A substance formed in the BLOOD as it clots: indeed, its formation causes clotting. The substance is produced in threads; after the threads have formed a close meshwork through the blood, they contract, and produce a dense, felted mass. The substance is formed not only from shed blood but also from LYMPH which exudes from the lymph vessels. Thus ?brin is found in all in?ammatory conditions within serous cavities like the PLEURA, PERITONEUM, and PERICARDIUM, and forms a thick coat upon the surface of the in?amed membranes. It is also found in in?amed joints, and in the lung as a result of pneumonia. (See COAGULATION.)
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. the final product of the process of *blood coagulation, produced by the action of the enzyme thrombin on a soluble precursor fibrinogen. The product thus formed (fibrin monomer) links up (polymerizes) with similar molecules to give a fibrous meshwork that forms the basis of a blood clot, which seals off the damaged blood vessel.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Fibrinogen

The soluble protein in the blood which is the precursor of FIBRIN, the substance in blood clot.... fibrinogen

Fibrinolysis

The way in which blood clots are removed from the circulation. The insoluble protein FIBRIN is broken down by the enzyme plasmin (see PLASMINOGEN) which is activated at the same time as the COAGULATION process of blood. There is normally a balance between coagulation and ?brinolysis; an abnormal increase in the latter causes excessive bleeding.... fibrinolysis

Fibrinolytic Drugs

A group of drugs, also known as thrombolytics, with the ability to break down the protein FIBRIN, the prime constituent of blood clots (see THROMBUS; THROMBOSIS). They are used to disperse blood clots that have formed in the vessels of the circulatory system. The group includes STREPTOKINASE, alteplase and reteplase. The drugs work by activating PLASMINOGEN to form PLASMIN which degrades ?brin and breaks up the blood clot (see COAGULATION).... fibrinolytic drugs

Fibrinolytics

Agents that prevent deposition of fibrin in veins. Fibrin deposits may block nutrients and oxygen, which state is a precursor of venous ulceration. Nettles. ... fibrinolytics

Fibrinogenopenia

n. a former name for *hypofibrinogenaemia.... fibrinogenopenia

Fibrinoid

adj. resembling the protein fibrin.... fibrinoid

Fibrinolysin

n. see plasmin.... fibrinolysin

Fibrinolytic

adj. describing a group of drugs that are capable of breaking down the protein fibrin (see fibrinolysis), which is the main constituent of blood clots, and are therefore used to disperse blood clots (thrombi) that have formed within the circulation, most notably after myocardial infarction. They include *streptokinase, *urokinase, *alteplase, reteplase, and tenecteplase. Possible side-effects include bleeding at needle puncture sites, headache, backache, blood spots in the skin, and allergic reactions.... fibrinolytic



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