Pharmacodynamics. Ulinastatin is a proteinase inhibitor isolated from human urine. Ulinastatin inhibits inflammatory markers: trypsin, pancreatic elastase, polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase, as well as endotoxin-stimulated production of TNF-alpha and interleukin 1, 8; it inhibits coagulation and fibrinolysis and enhances microperfusion. Therefore, ulinastatin is an effective immunomodulatory agent for the prevention of organ dysfunction and contributes to homeostasis.
Pharmacokinetics. After intravenous administration of doses of 300,000 IU/10 ml to healthy men, the concentration of ulinastatin in the blood decreased linearly. The half-life of ulinastatin is about 40 minutes. One hour after administration, 24% of ulinastatin is excreted in the urine.