Low-dose heparin as an antithrombotic agent.
Heparin, after subcutaneous administration, has been found to be able to bind to endothelial receptors both in rabbits and in humans. N-sulphonate 35S-heparin remains bound in rabbits for at least 24 h and is able to enhance the inactivation process of thrombin and factor Xa. Heparin subcutaneously (200 U/kg) injected for 2 weeks resulted in an enhanced inactivation of thrombin and factor Xa by the endothelium. The antithrombin-enhancing activity persists longer than the anti-Xa activity. In man, daily subcutaneous administration of heparin (12,500 U/day) for 2 weeks significantly reduces the increased fibrinopeptide A plasma levels and normalizes the increased 125I-fibrinogen turnover. The present work indicates that heparin administration at a low dose represents a treatment able to remarkably enhance the antithrombotic properties of the vessel wall, independently of the presence of detectable heparin levels in the circulating blood.
Gensini
G F
GF
Clinica Medica I, University of Florence, Italy.
Bonechi
F
F
Gori
A M
AM
Fortini
A
A
Paniccia
R
R
Lamberti
R
R
Attanasio
M
M
Martini
F
F
Prisco
D
D
Neri Serneri
G G
GG
D000818:Animals; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism; D065427:Factor Xa Inhibitors; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011817:Rabbits
D065427:Factor Xa Inhibitors; D006493:Heparin