In vitro release of fibrinolytic activators from cornea.

Rabbit corneas cultured in vitro in chemically defined media continuously released fibrinolytic agents. Such a substance was an activator of plasminogen and was released largely from the epithelium. Addition of prednisolone did not modify fibrinolytic activity, while death of the explants was followed by cessation of fibrinolysis, a finding suggesting synthesis of the activator during culture.