Fibrin: Its Role in Blood Clotting and Hemostasis

Fibrin is a tough, insoluble protein molecule that is produced by the human body in response to bleeding. It consists of long, fibrous chains and is primarily responsible for blood clotting.

Blood Clotting

• Fibrin is formed by the action of thrombin, an enzyme or biological catalyst, on fibrinogen, a soluble protein found in the liver and the liquid part of the blood (plasma). Long fibrin molecules intertwine, trapping blood cells (platelets), and the mass hardens to form a blood clot.

Nervous System

• According to research by the Department of Pharmacology at the University of California, there is experimental evidence that fibrin regulates inflammatory and regenerative responses of cells in patients suffering from degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

Excess Fibrin

• Excess fibrin can impede the movement of red blood cells, meaning that tissues are starved of oxygen and the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body. Excess fibrin can lead to chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.