Blocking the Plasminogen Activator in Plasma
Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) functions as the primary blocker of plasminogen activator in plasma. Increased levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 could lead to excessive blocking of tissue-plasminogen activator, leading to decreased clot breakdown and eventually an unwanted blood clot. Increased plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 levels have been shown in some cases to be an inheritable trait.