POTENT FIBRINOLYTIC ENZYME FROM THE LYSATE OF KATSUWONUS-PELAMIS DIGESTIVE-TRACT (SHIOKARA) - PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION

Strong fibrinolytic enzyme was purified from the lysate of Katsuwonus pelamis digestive tract (Japanese traditional fermented food, ''shioka ra''). The enzyme was an alkaline trypsin-like serine protease, and a pH- and salt-resistant protein. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the enzyme showed similarity with those of trypsin from other organism s. The molecular weight and isoelectric point of the enzyme were estim ated to be 38,000 and 4.65, respectively. The enzyme is probably usefu l as a thrombolytic agent.