Summary
Factor (F)Xa within the prothrombinase complex is protected from inhibition by unfractionated
heparin (UFH), enoxaparin and fondaparinux. We have developed a covalent antithrombin-heparin
complex (ATH) with enhanced anticoagulant activity. We have also demonstrated that
ATH is superior at inhibiting coagulation factors when assembled on artificial surfaces.
The objective of the present study is to determine the ability of ATH vs AT+UFH to
inhibit FXa within the prothrombinase complex when the enzyme complex is assembled
on the more native platelet system. Discontinuous inhibition assays were performed
to determine final k
2-values for inhibition of FXa, FXa within the platelet-prothrombinase, or FXa within
prothrombinase devoid of various components. Thrombin generation and plasma clotting
was also assayed in the presence of resting/activated platelets ± inhibitors. Protection
of FXa was not observed for ATH, whereas a moderate 60% protection was observed for
AT+UFH. ATH inhibited platelet-prothrombinase ∼4-fold faster than AT+UFH. Relative
to intact prothrombinase, rates for FXa inhibition by AT+UFH in prothrombinase complexes
devoid of either prothrombin (II)/activated platelets/FVa were higher. However, inhibition
by AT+UFH of prothrombinase devoid of FII yielded slightly lower rates compared to
free FXa inhibition. Thrombin generation and plasma clotting was enhanced with activated
platelets, while inhibition was better by ATH compared to AT+UFH, thus suggesting
an overall enhanced anticoagulant activity of ATH against platelet-bound prothrombinase
complexes.
Keywords
Coagulation - covalent antithrombin-heparin - heparin - platelets - prothrombinase
complex