Systemic anticoagulants
Heparin
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Heparin is used both as in vitro and in vivo anticoagulant. Heparin is used parenterally as an anticoagulant.
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It has direct and almost instantaneous action on the coagulation process.
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Heparin is present in mast cells along with histamine and serotonin and is prepared commercially from bovine lung and porcine intestinal mucosa.
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Heparin is a highly negatively charged mucopolysaccharide having larger molecular size and hence is administered parenterally.
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Heparin prolongs the clotting time of blood both in vivo and in vitro.
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Heparin prevents fibrin formation in the process of coagulation.
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It increases the activity of antithrombin III.
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Antithrombin III then inhibits the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin by thromboplastin.
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Antithrombin III also directly inactivates thrombin in the presence of heparin.
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Heparin decreases aldosterone secretion, increases the concentration of free thyroxine.
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It slows wound healing and depresses cell mediated immunity.
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Last modified: Wednesday, 25 April 2012, 11:59 AM