What does tPA do?

What does tPA do?

• A. Dissolve all clots in the body
• B. Increase platelet aggregation
• C. Reduce blood pressure
• D. Promote fibrin formation

Answer: (A)

tPA is a thrombolytic that activates plasminogen to plasmin, an enzyme that breaks down fibrin, the mesh that stabilizes clots. By dissolving the fibrin in a clot, it helps restore blood flow in acute thrombotic events. Its effect isn’t indiscriminate; it works where it reaches and where plasmin can act, and it carries a significant risk of serious bleeding that requires careful patient selection and monitoring. It does not increase platelet aggregation, it does not lower blood pressure, and it does not promote fibrin formation. Instead, it breaks down fibrin to dissolve the clot.

tPA is a thrombolytic that activates plasminogen to plasmin, an enzyme that breaks down fibrin, the mesh that stabilizes clots. By dissolving the fibrin in a clot, it helps restore blood flow in acute thrombotic events. Its effect isn’t indiscriminate; it works where it reaches and where plasmin can act, and it carries a significant risk of serious bleeding that requires careful patient selection and monitoring. It does not increase platelet aggregation, it does not lower blood pressure, and it does not promote fibrin formation. Instead, it breaks down fibrin to dissolve the clot.