t-PA but not desmoteplase increases blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in vitro.
Ischaemic conditions attenuate the action of t-PA on BBB permeability.
The increase in BBB permeability by t-PA is reversible only within 2 h of onset.
t-PA and desmoteplase bind to LRP-1 with similar affinity.
Desmoteplase does not antagonise the ability of t-PA to increase permeability.