[Demonstration of an enzyme inhibiting coagulation of blood ingested by the blood-sucking insect, Rhodnius prolixus (Heteroptera, Reduviidae)].

A new fibrinolytic enzyme, "the prolixase", was isolated and purified from the haemolymph of Rhodnius Prolixus. The mode of action of the enzyme was studied and compared to that of extracts from salivary glands and midgut of the insect. It appears that the prolixase is involved in inhibiting the coagulation of the blood ingested by Rhodnius during its blood meal. The mode of action of the enzyme in this phenomenon is discussed.