title: [The physiological inhibitors of blood coagulation. 1. Antithrombin III (AT III)].
abstract: In a brief survey, recent data on the molecular structure and functions of antithrombin III as well as on the similarity of identity with antithrombin III of newborns and mammals are referred to. Moreover, the survival time in circulation and its broad inhibiting spectrum comprising not only all activating factors of coagulation, but also other proteases, is discussed. The accelerating effect of heparin on response and possible mechanisms of this acceleration are discussed. The various procedures of determination are briefly dealt with. Furthermore, the distinct tendency towards thromboembolic complications occurring in patients with only a slight reduction of antithrombin III level is dealt with, as it was described in inherited and acquired deficiency of antithrombin III. Finally, the possibilities of therapy for this deficiency are discussed and is underlined on the key position of antithrombin III for maintaining the balance of coagulation.
mesh_terms: D000990:Antithrombin III / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D020152:Antithrombin III Deficiency; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006493:Heparin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008970:Molecular Weight; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000990:Antithrombin III; D006493:Heparin
vernacular_title: Die physiologischen Inhibitoren der Blutgerinnung. Teil 1: Das Antithrombin III (AT III).