Role of the plasminogen activation system in extracellular matrix degradation processes in normal or pathological conditions in sheep

The plasminogen activation system has traditionally been implicated in various fibrinolytic mechanisms. However, its role in nonfibrinolytic processes is not well established. This article summarizes our current knowledge on the role of plasminogen activation system in extracellular proteolysis, mainly in the male and female reproductive systems, in encephalopathies and in various infectious diseases of sheep. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.