noun
- A serine protease enzyme in blood plasma that breaks down fibrin and dissolves blood clots.
Usage: technical; biochemistry
Examples
- Plasmin is produced from its inactive precursor, plasminogen, during the fibrinolytic cascade.
- The drug activates plasmin to help dissolve dangerous blood clots.
- Plasmin breaks down fibrin, the protein that forms the mesh of a blood clot.
- Excessive plasmin activity can lead to abnormal bleeding.
- Doctors monitor plasmin levels to assess clot-dissolving function in patients.