What is the MOA of alteplase in treating thromboembolism?

Alteplase is a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) that functions primarily by converting plasminogen, a plasma protein, into plasmin. This conversion is a critical step in the fibrinolytic pathway, which is responsible for breaking down blood clots. Plasmin is an enzyme that digests fibrin, the protein that forms the structure of blood clots, leading to the dissolution of the thrombus.

In the treatment of thromboembolism, altering the balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis is essential, and alteplase plays a key role by promoting clot lysis in acute settings such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. By activating plasminogen, alteplase directly enhances the body’s ability to dissolve unwanted clots, consequently improving blood flow in affected areas.

While the other options involve various mechanisms related to coagulation and platelet function, they do not accurately describe the specific action of alteplase. For instance, inhibiting thrombin activity primarily relates to anticoagulants rather than thrombolytic agents, and reducing platelet aggregation is more characteristic of antiplatelet agents. Enhancing coupling of fibrin to platelets does not occur with alteplase, as its role is primarily