tissue plasminogen activator

tissue plasminogen activator

noun

Definition of TISSUE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR

: a clot-dissolving enzyme that has an affinity for fibrin, that catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, that is produced naturally in blood vessel linings, and that is used in a genetically engineered form to prevent damage to heart muscle following a heart attack and to reduce neurological damage following ischemic stroke—abbreviation tPA