Potentiation of the antithrombotic action of dermatan sulphate by small amounts of heparin.
We have examined the effect in impairing thrombus formation of a preparation of dermatan sulphate (DS) alone and DS plus small amounts of unfractionated heparin (UFH). In rabbits given a dose of 150 micrograms/kg of DS alone, there was minimal reduction in serum-induced stasis thrombosis (Wessler model), with an overall score of 92.5% (100% = no impairment of thrombus formation). When the same dose of DS containing UFH was given (two different subgroups given DS containing 0.25 and 2.5% heparin by dry weight, respectively), the overall thrombus score was reduced to 60% (P less than 0.003), with no significant difference between the two subgroups. To achieve a comparable result with DS alone, a dose of 1 mg/kg was required. We conclude that very small amounts of UFH significantly enhance the antithrombotic action of DS, by a mechanism that has yet to be determined.
Thomas
D P
DP
Division of Haematology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, U.K.
Gray
E
E
Merton
R E
RE
D000818:Animals; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D003871:Dermatan Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D004357:Drug Synergism; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011817:Rabbits; D013917:Thrombin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*
D003871:Dermatan Sulfate; D006493:Heparin; D013917:Thrombin