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, "shiokara"). 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 organisms. The molecular weight and isoelectric point of the enzyme were estimated to be 38,000 and 4.65, respectively. The enzyme is probably useful as a thrombolytic agent.