Studies on the Blood Clotting and Fibrinolytic System in the Plasma from a Sei (Baleen) Whale 1

Abstract

Summary

Blood clotting and fibrinolytic systems were studied in the plasma of a sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis). The sei whale belongs to the suborder baleen whales of the order Cetacea. Whale plasma had a greatly prolonged kaolin-activated partial thromboplastin time and was deficient in Hageman factor (factor XII), Fletcher factor (a plasma prekallikrein), and PTA (factor XI). All other clotting factor activities were present in amounts comparable to that of normal human plasma. Whale plasminogen was activated by human urokinase, but not by streptokinase. Whale plasma contained inhibitory activities against thrombin, activated Stuart factor, activated PTA, activated Fletcher factor, and plasmin.

We are grateful to Dr. James Mead of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C., who imported the whale plasma. Ms. Ellen Strecker and Miss Marilyn Burke provided invaluable technical help.