Combined streptokinase and taurochenodeoxycholate action on experimentally induced atherothromboemboli. Chandler Tube Study.

Atheroembolic lesions consist of both thrombus and atheroma, including cholesterol crystals; therefore, dissolution requires both a thrombotic agent and a lipid emulsifier. In vitro tests were performed in a Chandler tube apparatus to assess the effectiveness of predetermined dose and concentration levels for such agents. Between 0.065 and 0.1 mL of human atheroma, concentrated at 125 mg/mL, was added to 1 mL of recalcified rabbit whole blood in a Chandler tube to produce an atherothromboembolus. Specified amounts of streptokinase (SK) and/or taurochenodeoxycholate (TCDC) were introduced into the tube, either SK first, followed 30 minutes later by TCDC, or in the reverse order. The experimental thrombi were measured for length and weight, and samples from representative thrombi were processed and examined with both light and transmission electron microscopy. The combined SK/TCDC treatment appears to work best of all the treatments in reducing the size of the experimental thrombi and their cholesterol crystal components; and better than the TCDC/SK treatment. It is suggested that this combined treatment might be useful in the treatment of atherothromboembolism.