Summary
A comparison has been made between the effects of pentosan polysulphate (SP54) and
mucosal heparin following subcutaneous injection in man. Unlike heparin, pentosan
polysulphate has relatively little effect in vivo as measured by anti-factor Xa clotting
assay and none by an anti-Xa amidolytic assay (S-2222). However, pentosan polysulphate
is at least as potent as heparin on a weight basis in producing activation of lipoprotein
lipase, shortening of the euglobulin clot lysis time and impairing the generation
of factor Xa. Our data indicate that pentosan polysulphate has more marked effects
in vivo than in vitro, that the action of the drug on clotting is mediated mainly
via an At III-independent pathway, and that its effects are not confined to the coagulation
system.
Key words
Pentosan polysulphate - Heparin - SP54 - Mechanism in vivo - Subcutaneous injection
