Heparin: what is it? How does it work?
The anticoagulant agent heparin inhibits thrombosis by interacting with antithrombin III. There are three distinct chemical elements that make up the heparin precursor molecule: Mucopolysaccharides, amino acids, and sugars. Separate from the chemical elements are three unique domains of activity that have been defined based on the functional interaction of heparin with antithrombin III. Bleeding complications are potential side effects of heparin therapy and may be caused by heparin interactions with platelets. However, reducing the size of the molecule (low-molecular weight heparins) and varying the dosage may reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
Schwartz
B S
BS
Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
D006493:Heparin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans
D006493:Heparin