The authors have presented a literary survey dealing with a role of plasminogenplasmin system, system of matrixmetalloproteinases and other proteolytic systems in the pathogenesis of ischemic cerebral infarction. The activation of endogenous plasminogen activators (particularly urokinase activator of plasminogen) and system of matrixmetalloproteinases in early phases of cerebral infarction causes the damage to the endothelium of cerebral blood-vessels. It results in extravasation of blood elements and, secondarily, in neuronal damage. Selected proteolytic systems also play a basic role in the pathogenesis of developing secondary hemorrhagic transformation of an ischemic locus as well as ischemic cerebral oedema. In the other part of the report, a new thrombolytic substances and their pharmacological properties, and supposed limits of applying thrombolytic therapy in clinical practice are discussed.

        Key words: ischemic cerebral infarction, plasminogen-plasmin system, proteases, thrombolytic therapy