Biophysical Mechanisms Mediating Fibrin Fiber Lysis

Figure 3

Interaction network of the biophysical determinants of fibrinolysis rates. A diagram highlighting the influence of FXIIIa, network architecture, platelets, and fluid flow on lytic rates. The diagram is simplified and does not include many of the interactions discussed in the paper but is meant to emphasize some of the major impacts. Black arrows show an influence of one property on a downstream property. The end result is either faster or slower network fibrinolytic rates. The red arrow indicates that cross-linked fibrin fibers have reduced extensibility and thus reduced fiber stretching. “Fibrinolytic activation/increased binding” and similarly worded effects are meant to indicate that a fibrinolytic enzyme such as plasmin is activated and/or has increased binding affinity or avidity.