The regulation of natural anticoagulant pathways.
Vascular endothelium plays an active role in preventing blood clot formation in vivo. One mechanism by which prevention is achieved involves a cell surface thrombin-binding protein, thrombomodulin, which converts thrombin into a protein C activator. Activated protein C then functions as an anticoagulant by inactivating two regulatory proteins of the coagulation system, factors Va and VIIIa. The physiological relevance of the protein C anticoagulant pathway is demonstrated by the identification of homozygous protein C--deficient infants with severe thrombotic complications. Recent studies suggest that this pathway provides a link between inflammation and coagulation.
D000818:Animals; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D006023:Glycoproteins; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes / Q000378:metabolism; D010215:Papio; D011486:Protein C / Q000502:physiology*; D017293:Protein S; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D018179:Receptors, Thrombin; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000097:blood; D013917:Thrombin / Q000378:metabolism; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000097:blood; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000494:pharmacology
D006023:Glycoproteins; D008081:Liposomes; D011486:Protein C; D017293:Protein S; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D018179:Receptors, Thrombin; D014812:Vitamin K; D013917:Thrombin