FIBRINOLYSIS IN RELATION TO DERMATOLOGY

SUMMARY.– An attempt has been made to show the possible importance of the fibrinolytic system in dermatology. The complex mechanisms of the system have been briefly explained and emphasis has been laid on the interrelationship between the fibrinolysis, coagulation, vaso-active polypeptide and complement systems. The various methods for the study of fibrinolytic activity in the blood and in tissues are explained and their interpretation critically evaluated. The pitfalls in the study of blood fibrinolysis are emphasized. The fibrinolytic activity in normal human skin is located around the blood vessels and such activity in the epidermis has not been convincingly demonstrated. Damage to the skin in vivo by stripping with Scotch Tape appears to inhibit fibrinolysis. Homogenates of epidermis can be shown to contain an inhibitor of fibrinolysis.