A Heparin Analogue that Releases Endogenous Heparan Sulphate

Heparan sulphate (HS), a near-relative of heparin, but with much less anticoagulant activity in vitro, is bound to cell surfaces. We examined HS isolated from porcine intestinal mucosa, and found that although the material had low anticoagulant activity by APTT, it had a marked effect in anti-Factor Xa clotting assays, giving anti-Xa/APTT ratios of approximately 4:1 in terms of specific activity. In crossed immunoelectrophoresis experiments, HS bound to antithrombin III, but at higher concentrations than heparin. A heparin analogue (a polysulphated chondroitin), while virtually inactive in vitro, nevertheless when administered s.c. to man potentiated the effect of anti-Factor Xa to an extent comparable to that produced by low-dose heparin, but with an anti-Xa/APTT ratio of 4:1. The analogue also produced a marked release of lipoprotein lipase and a four-fold increase in the level of circulating PF4, as measured by radioimmunoassay. The anti-Xa and APTT effects of HS in vitro are very similar to those produced by the analogue in vivo, and it is suggested that the analogue releases not only lipoprotein lipase and PF4, but also HS. The drug-induced release of an endogenous glycosamino-glycan (probably from the endothelial lining of vessels) with anti-Xa activity may represent a fruitful approach to the prophylaxis of venous thrombosis.

 

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