What is the mechanism of action of thrombolytics in stroke treatment?

Thrombolytics work primarily by breaking down fibrin, the protein that forms the mesh-like structure of blood clots. During a stroke, an obstruction occurs in a blood vessel, often due to a clot that has formed from fibrin along with platelets and other components in the blood. Thrombolytics specifically target this fibrin mesh, using enzymes such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to dissolve the clot. This restoration of blood flow is crucial in minimizing brain damage and improving outcomes for patients experiencing ischemic strokes.

In addition to their primary action on fibrin, thrombolytics are not designed to inhibit clotting factors directly, enhance platelet aggregation, or stabilize blood pressure, which differentiates their role explicitly in thrombolytic therapy for stroke treatment.