Alpha 2 Antiplasmin is a member of the Serpin superfamily and the primary physiological inhibitor of the serine protease plasmin, which is responsible for the dissolution of fibrin clots. In addition to plasmin, it is also an efficient inhibitor of trypsin and chymotrypsin. Liver and kidney are major sites of its production and other tissues such as muscle, intestine, central nervous system, and placenta also express its mRNA at a moderate level. The tissue expression pattern indicates that it is a key regulator of plasmin mediated proteolysis in these tissues. Alpha-Antiplasmin-deficiency is a rare coagulation disorder which allows unrestrained fibrinolytic activity. Individuals with this condition may receive therapeutic A2AP prior to surgery to prevent postoperative hemorrhaging.
