Streptokinase

• Streptokinase dissolves blood clots by activating plasminogen, aiding in thrombolytic therapy.
• Streptokinase treats acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis.

General Information

• Synonyms: Streptococcal Plasminogen Activator.
• Biological Source:
  • Derived from Streptococcus species (mainly Streptococcus pyogenes).
• Family: Streptococcaceae.
• Geographical Source:
  • Produced in India, USA, China, Germany, Japan.

Macroscopical Characters of Streptokinase

• Color: White to off-white powder.
• Texture: Fine, lyophilized powder.
• Taste: Tasteless.
• Odor: Odorless.

Chemical Constituents of Streptokinase

• Proteolytic enzyme: Streptokinases (a fibrinolytic enzyme).
• Molecular weight: ~47,000 Da.
• Co-factor: Requires human plasminogen to function.

Mechanism of Action of Streptokinase

• Streptokinase activates plasminogen, which then converts into plasmin, breaking down fibrin clots and dissolving blood clots.

Preparation

1. Bacterial Fermentation: Streptococcus pyogenes is cultured in a nutrient medium.
2. Extraction: Enzyme is isolated from the bacterial culture.
3. Purification: Precipitation and chromatographic techniques are used.
4. Lyophilization: The enzyme is freeze-dried for pharmaceutical formulations.

Evaluation

• Solubility: Soluble in water.
• Purity Tests:
  • Fibrinolytic Assay: Measures clot-dissolving ability.
  • SDS-PAGE Test: Confirms molecular weight and purity.

Preservation & Storage

• Stored at -20°C to preserve activity.

Therapeutic Uses

• Used in myocardial infarction (heart attack) treatment.
• Used in pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.
• Alternative to Urokinase for thrombolysis.

Commercial Utility

• Used in pharmaceutical formulations (injectable thrombolytic agents).
• Used in research laboratories for clot studies.

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