urokinase plasminogen activator

Definition of urokinase-plasminogen activator

urokinase-plasminogen activator

(YOOR-oh-KY-nays-plaz-MIH-noh-jen AK-tih-vay-ter)
An enzyme that is made in the kidney and found in the urine. A form of this enzyme is made in the laboratory and used to dissolve blood clots or to prevent them from forming. Also called u-plasminogen activator, uPA, and urokinase.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms