Fibrinolysis in grafted arteries and veins.

The fibrinolytic activity in autologous artery and vein grafts was studied in cats during a 4-month period. The fibrinolytic activity in the wall of an aortic segment interposed in the caval vein was increased in comparison to the normal aorta. In the corresponding segment of the caval vein interposed in the aorta, the fibrinolytic activity was reduced during the observation time. Thrombosed segments had a decreased activity. No changes were seen in sham operated animals. The plasminogen activator activity in the vessel wall was found to be influenced by the surrounding milieu.