The rapid inhibition of urokinase by plasma from pregnant women at risk for abruptio placenta.

Rapid inhibition of urokinase in plasma obtained from women in the third trimester of pregnancy was assessed by the addition of 75 IU urokinase per ml plasma, and measurement of residual urokinase activity with PyroGlu-Gly-Arg-pNA after 5 minutes incubation at 37 degrees C. The urokinase inhibitory capacity was markedly increased for the pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls. Alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 2-macroglobulin and alpha 2-antiplasmin did not account for the activity. Inhibition was higher for women with multiple gestations or macrosomia (n = 11) compared to normal pregnant women (n = 35) suggesting that the placenta contributes significantly to the measured activity. Inhibition was lower for women with hypertension (n = 33) compared to the normal pregnant women. Although the etiology for this difference is unclear, the decreased inhibitory activity may contribute to the increased risk for placental abruption that is observed for this group of women.