Characterization of Unfractionated Heparin: Comparison of Materials from the last 50 Years

Barbara Mulloy; Elaine Gray; Trevor W. Barrowcliffe

doi:10.1055/s-0037-1614170

Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Table of Contents

Thromb Haemost 2000; 84(06): 1052-1056
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1614170

Review Article

Schattauer GmbH

Characterization of Unfractionated Heparin: Comparison of Materials from the last 50 Years

Barbara Mulloy

¹From the Division of Haematology and Laboratory for Molecular Structure, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Herts., UK

,

Elaine Gray

¹From the Division of Haematology and Laboratory for Molecular Structure, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Herts., UK

,

Trevor W. Barrowcliffe

¹From the Division of Haematology and Laboratory for Molecular Structure, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Herts., UK

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Summary

Physicochemical and anticoagulant characteristics of 27 samples from recent batches of commercially produced unfractionated heparin have been determined as part of the process of establishment of the 5^th International Standard Unfractionated Heparin. They have been compared with current heparin standards (European Pharmacopoeia, United States Pharmacopoeia, Chinese), with the 4^th International Standard Unfractionated Heparin, and with the three predecessor International Standards. The results indicate that the 4^th International Standard Unfractionated Heparin, established in 1982, has significantly lower molecular weight and specific activity than recently produced heparin; this is also true of all preceding International Standard Heparins and of the United States Pharmacopoeial standard. The composition of commercial unfractionated heparin may therefore have changed over time; reasons for this are discussed.

Key words

Unfractionated heparin - molecular weight - NMR spectroscopy - anticoagulant activity - International Standard

Full Text

References

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