Degradation and Liquefaction Effect of Streptokinase-Streptodornase and Stabilized Trypsin on Necroses, Crusts of Fibrinoid, Purulent Exudate and Clotted Blood from Leg Ulcers

Abstract

Necrotic materials most frequently found in leg ulcers, including crusts with fibrinogen, pus and blood clots, were exposed to solutions of streptokinase-streptodornase and stabilized crystalline trypsin respectively. The investigations were performed at the temperatures of 26° and 33°C, representing the extreme values of the temperature range found in leg ulcers (arteriosclerotic ulcers, stasis ulcers) and at the pH corresponding to that of the enzyme preparations in wet dressings. Streptokinase-streptodornase demonstrated in vitro a more potent proteolytic activity than crystalline trypsin on necroses, crusts of fibrinoid and purulent exudate, which were more rapidly and thoroughly broken up. Both enzyme preparations were, however, equally effective on three-day-old blood clots.