Enhancement Of Plasma-Plasminogen Level By Stanozolol In Man

An anabolic steroid, Stanazolol, has been shown to increase AT-III concentration in subjects with both congenital and acquired AT-III deficiency (Thromb & Haem. 43:18, 1980; Thromb Diath Haem. 34:106, 1975). It is also claimed to have beneficial effects on idiopathic recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis and cutaneous vasculitis. In an attempt to elicit the pharmacologic action of this steroid on the fibrinolytic system, the plasma plasminogen of 15 subjects with no known thromboembolic disease were studied before and after administration of Stanozolol, 10 mg/ day for periods of 7-21 days. The plasma plasminogen level was found to increase from 15-63% (mean 35.4%) of baseline level within a period of 7 days, and up to 76%. by day 18. No significant changes were noted on the plasma fibrinogen level nor on the activities of alpha2 plasmin inhibitor, free protease, or plasminogen activator. In vivo plasmin generation by both streptokinase and urokinase was also studied in the plasma samples. The generation rate by either activators was found to be significantly increased along with the rise in plasminogen level. The plasmin generation index (plasminogen level x plasmin generation rate) representing potential amount of plasmin that can be generated in the plasma samples was found to be increased even more so, by Stanozolol administration. Since the successful outcome of thrombolytic therapy depends on the bioavailability of plasminogen, the present findings of an enhancement of plasminogen by Stanozolol has obvious clinical implications.