Anticoagulant Properties of Three Mucopolysaccharides Used in Rheumatology

Summary

Three mucopolysaccharides (MPS) used in the treatment of degenerative joint disease were compared to heparin to establish their relative potencies on 3 coagulation tests, the aPTT, the antifactor X a activity and the dilute thrombin time. One of the compounds, Arteparon^®, was one fourth as potent as heparin on the aPTT, but had little or no influence on the 2 other tests. Further in vitro studies suggested that Arteparon^® acted at a higher level than factor Xa generation in the intrinsic amplification system and that its effect was independent of antithrombin III. In vivo administration of Arteparon^® confirmed its anticoagulant properties, which raises the question of the clinical use of this MPS.

Keywords

Heparin - Other mucopolysaccharides - Anticoagulation - Mode of action

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