Q. Streptokinase is a substance used in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. How does this substance act?
Substances known as fibrinolytics, like urokinase and streptokinase, can destroy thrombi (clots formed inside blood capillaries, vessels or within the heart chambers) and are used in the treatment of obstructions of the coronary arteries or other blood vessels.
Its name comes after the bacteria that produce it, the streptococci, streptokinase destroys the fibrin network and so it dissolves the thrombotic clot.