Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UROKINASE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Thrombolytic. Used in the treatment of thromboembolic disorders including pulmonary
embolisms and coronary occlusions in myocardial infarction. Also has a specific use in
clearing both clots and haemorrhage in the eye. Serum protease that activates plasminogen
to plasmin a proteolytic enzyme with fibrinolytic effects. Found in mammalian blood and
urine. Prourokinase is converted to urokinase by the action of plasmin or kallikrein. Two
variants of bioactive urokinase have been identified - high molecular weight (HMW- UK ,
~50000 mol wt) and low molecular weight (LMW- UK, ~30000 mol wt). Both are disulfide-
linked dimers consisting of a heavy (B) chain and a light (A) chain. HMW- UK is converted
to LMW- UK by cleavage of the A chain. A single chain urokinase- type plasminogen
activator, saruplase, has also been prepared.

SYNONYMS

"enzyme [EC 3.4.21.31; EC 3.4.99.26]", TCUK, UK, "plasminogen activator", "WIN 22005",
Abbokinase, Actosolv, Breokinase, Persolv, Purochin, Ukidan, Win-Kinase, protease

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Respiratory sensitization may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Dusts produced by enzymes can attack the respiratory system. Allergic asthma produced after exposure includes spasm, cough and wheezing. Other symptoms include chronic cough, phlegm, fever, muscle pains, fatigue, airway obstruction, and scarring at the top or base of the lungs. There may also be abdominal pain, headache, stomach-ache and a general feeling of unwellness. Prolonged contact can result in skin soreness, redness, inflammation and possible ulceration. There may also be loss of lung function due to scarring.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.