Abstract
Thrombomodulin (TM) is an endothelial cell membrane glycoprotein which neutralizes thrombin procoagulant activity and accelerates the thrombin-catalyzed activation of protein C. We expressed recombinant human soluble TM (rhs-TM) in Chinese hamster ovary cells and compared the effects of rhs-TM and heparin on endotoxin-induced experimental disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in rats. Experimental DIC was induced by a continuous intravenous infusion of endotoxin for four hours. rhs-TM or heparin was infused simultaneously with endotoxin. Treatment with rhs-TM significantly reversed the endotoxin-induced changes in the following parameters: platelet count, fibrinogen level and fibrinogen and fibrin degradation products. Furthermore, glomerular fibrin deposits elevated by endotoxin treatment were reduced by the rhs-TM administration. Heparin showed the similar effects to rhs-TM. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in rats receiving rhs-TM were slightly longer than APTT in endotoxin-treated rats, but rats receiving heparin had much more prolonged APTT. From these results, we concluded that rhs-TM may be useful for the clinical treatment of DIC while having only minor adverse effects on APTT.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
