Changes in mRNA levels of fibrinogen subunit polypeptides in rats defibrinogenated with batroxobin.

Batroxobin is a snake venom that is a thrombinlike enzyme used for clinical treatment. We analyzed hepatic mRNA levels for fibrinogen subunit polypeptides and prothrombin by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction as well as coagulation and fibrinolysis factors in plasma 1, 3, 5 and 24 hours after Batroxobin treatment (3 BU/100 g) in rats. The mRNA levels of alpha- and beta-chains of fibrinogen were significantly increased with decreases in plasma fibrinogen, alpha2-plasmin inhibitor, and plasminogen levels, while the mRNA levels for prothrombin remained unchanged. These results suggest that fibrinogen mRNA synthesis is regulated by plasma fibrinogen levels in Batroxobin-induced defibrinogenated rats.