Initiation Phase Of Thrombin Generation Research Articles

Abstract TMP98: A New Class of Precision Oral Anticoagulants (proacs) That Mostly Preserves Platelet Activity in vitro and in vivo

Introduction: Anticoagulants, while an effective prophylactic for ischemic stroke increase a patient’s risk of major bleeding. There is currently an unmet need for new anticoagulants with the ideal combination of efficacy and low bleeding risk. Here we describe the in vitro and in vivo pharmacology of two development candidates VE-01902 and VE-02851, expected to enter phase I clinical trials in 2018 and 2019 respectively. These compounds belong to a new class of anti-coagulants, the PRecision Oral AntiCoagulants (PROACs), which inhibit fibrinogen cleavage at potencies comparable to the known Direct Thrombin Inhibitors (DTIs) while only weakly inhibiting thrombin induced platelet activation in plasma and whole blood. Methods: Enzyme activity assays by optical methods. Platelet status by expression of CD62P by flow cytometry. In vitro coagulation by Thrombin Generation Assay (TGA). In vivo efficacy and bleeding risk evaluated by rodent models of thrombosis and bleeding time tests. Results and Conclusions: The PROACs are a class of compounds that share a unique mechanism of action: reversible covalent inhibitors of thrombin with slow enzyme kinetics. We examined Thrombin Generation in platelet Poor Plasma (PPP) and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) of VE-01902 and VE-02851 and compared it to the known DTIs argatroban and dabigatran. In both plasma samples the PROACs potently inhibit the propagation phase (Endogenous Thrombin Potential (ETP)) while, unlike the known DTIs, only weakly affect the initiation phase of thrombin generation (10 to 20-fold weaker). In the PRP samples the PROACs do not significantly affect platelet activation even while suppressing ETP. To better understand the unique in vitro properties of the PROACs we studied the activity of multiple key factors of the coagulation cascade. Like argatroban and dabigatran, the PROACs protect mice from the effects of thrombin-induced pulmonary embolism and inhibit clot formation in the arteriovenous shunt rat model. However unlike these DTIs, they do not significantly inhibit platelet activation in either of these rodent models. Despite its strong anticoagulant properties, the PROACs show significantly lower bleeding than comparators.

Thrombin lag time is increased in children with mild asthma

BackgroundInflammation and coagulation are closely linked events. Thrombin is the key enzyme in coagulation system and also has roles in inflammation. ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to evaluate thrombin generation in children with mild asthma. MethodsForty-two children with mild asthma and 49 healthy children were included in the study. All patients performed spirometry. Thrombin generation tests (TGT) were performed with a calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) in children without asthma exacerbation during the last six months. During CAT assay thrombogram curves were obtained. The area under the curve showed endogenous thrombin potentials and indicated the total amount of endogenous thrombin generated; the peak height showed the highest thrombin value, thrombin lag time and time to thrombin peak were measured. ResultsThrombin lag time was significantly longer in children with asthma (3.98±1.2min) compared to those in the control group (3.29±0.6min) (p<0.01). Children with asthma also had longer thrombin tail time compared to the control group (19.5±8.9min vs. 16.7±2.9min, p=0.02). Thrombin peak was inversely correlated with FEF 25–75 (r=−0.41, p<0.01). Thrombin lag time was inversely correlated with FEF 25–75 (r=−0.39, p<0.01). ConclusionInflammation in mild asthma seems to disturb coagulation but this disturbance may not be so strong as to increase thrombin levels and may only affect the initiation phase of thrombin generation.

Relieving Inhibition of Prothrombinase By TFPIα: a Procoagulant Activity of Unfractionated, Low Molecular Weight, and Nonanticoagulant Heparins

Introduction: Prothrombinase, the complex of factor Xa (FXa) and factor Va (FVa), is inhibited by tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI)α during the initiation of coagulation (Wood JP et al, PNAS 2013). Efficient inhibition of thrombin generation by prothrombinase requires an interaction between the TFPIα basic C-terminus and an acidic region of the FVa B-domain. This acidic region is present in FXa-activated FVa and FVa released from activated platelets, but is rapidly removed by thrombin. Thus, prothrombinase inhibition only occurs during the initiation phase of thrombin generation. As the exosite interaction is charge-dependent, large negatively charged molecules, including unfractionated heparin (UFH), block it, prevent prothrombinase inhibition, and promote thrombin generation. Studies using the negatively charged molecule polyphosphate have suggested a size requirement for blocking this TFPIα activity (Smith SA et al, Blood2010). A similar size-dependence may exist with heparins and could have clinical implications, as currently-used heparins range from long (unfractionated heparin; UFH) to medium (low molecular weight heparins; LMWHs) to short (the antithrombin-binding pentasaccharide fondaparinux). Studies were performed to assess the ability of the LMWHs enoxaparin and dalteparin, fondaparinux, and the nonanticoagulant heparin 2-O, 3-O desulfated heparin (ODSH) to block TFPIα and promote thrombin generation through this mechanism.Methods: TFPIα inhibition of thrombin generation by prothrombinase, assembled with a form of FVa containing the acidic region of the B domain, was measured in the absence or presence of UFH, enoxaparin, dalteparin, fondaparinux, and ODSH. The effect of these compounds on the direct inhibition of FXa by TFPIα was measured using a FXa chromogenic substrate. The effect of these compounds on thrombin generation in plasma was measured by calibrated automated thrombography using human plasma immunodepleted of antithrombin III and heparin cofactor II (AT3/HCII-depleted plasma).Results: TFPIα inhibited prothrombinase activity (IC50 = 6.8 nM), and UFH blocked this inhibition (IC50 = 12.5 nM or 14.9 nM at 0.5 or 1 U/mL, respectively). Enoxaparin (0.8 U/mL; IC50 = 30.3 nM) and dalteparin (1 U/mL; IC50 = 29.7 nM) appeared to be more effective at reversing TFPIα inhibition. The reason for this apparent enhanced effect of LMWHs compared to UFH is not clear, as UFH and the LMWHs similarly enhanced the direct inhibition of FXa by TFPIα, and the differential activity was also observed when heparins were normalized to saccharide concentration. The same pattern was observed when measuring thrombin generation in AT3/HCII-depleted plasma, with LMWHs being more procoagulant than UFH. Consistent with TFPIα inhibition being charge-dependent, ODSH promoted thrombin generation similarly to LMWHs in both purified systems and AT3/HCII-depleted plasma. In contrast, clinical doses of fondaparinux had no effect in any assay. In a purified system, ~1000 times the clinical dose of fondaparinux was required to promote thrombin generation.Conclusion: There is a size-dependence for blocking TFPIα inhibition of prothrombinase using heparins, as the pentasaccharide has no effect. However, both LMWHs and UFH are sufficiently long to express this procoagulant activity at therapeutic doses. In addition, the nonanticoagulant heparin ODSH blocks prothrombinase inhibition by TFPIα. This procoagulant activity is likely most clinically relevant under conditions of antithrombin deficiency, which may result from sepsis, liver failure, or administration of L-asparaginase. Under any of these conditions, UFH, LMWHs, and ODSH may have unanticipated procoagulant activity mediated by blocking TFPIα. DisclosuresCamire:Pfizer: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Mast:Novo Nordisk: Research Funding.

Tissue factor over-expression by human pancreatic cancer cells BXPC3 is related to higher prothrombotic potential as compared to breast cancer cells MCF7

Cancer histology influences the risk of venous thromboembolism and tissue factor (TF) is the key molecule in cancer-induced hypercoagulability. We investigated the relation between TF expression by pancreatic and breast cancer cells (BXPC3 and MCF7 respectively) and their capacity to trigger in vitro thrombin generation in normal human plasma. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis for TF expression were performed using murine IgG1 monoclonal antibody against human TF. Real-time PCR for TFmRNA was also performed. Activity of TF expressed by cancer cells was measured with a specific chromogenic assay. Thrombin generation in PPP was assessed using calibrated automated thrombogram. Cancer cells were added to platelet poor plasma from healthy volunteers. In separate experiments cells were incubated with the anti-TF antibody at concentration that completely neutralized the activity of recombinant human TF on thrombin generation. BXPC3 cells expressed significantly higher amounts of functional TF as compared to MCF7 cells. Incubation of BXPC3 and MCF7 cells with PPP resulted in acceleration of the initiation phase of thrombin generation. BXPC3 cells manifested higher procoagulant potential than MCF7 cells. The incubation of BXPC3 or MCF7 cells with the anti-TF monoclonal antibody which resulted in reversal of their effect on thrombin generation.The present study establishes a link between the amount of TF expressed by cancer cells with their procoagulant activity. Both studied types of cancer cells trigger thrombin generation but they have different procoagulant potential. The procoagulant activity of BXPC3 and MCF7 cells is related to the amount of TF expressed. Kinetic parameters of thrombogram are the most relevant for the detection of the TF-dependent procoagulant activity of cancer cells. TF expression is one of the mechanisms by which cancer cells manifest their procoagulant potential but it is not the unique one. The present experimental model will allow the characterization the procoagulant fingerprint of cell lines from the same or different histological types of cancer.

Thrombin generation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Dependence on plasma factor composition

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with an increased risk for thromboembolic events. We investigated thrombin generation profiles in COPD patients and their dependence on plasma factor/inhibitor composition. MethodsFactors (f) (fII, fV, fVII, fVIII, fIX, fX), antithrombin, protein C (PC) and free tissue factor pathway inhibitor (fTFPI) from 60 COPD patients (aged 64.2±10.1years; a mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], 55.6±15.8% of predicted values) were compared with those for 43 controls matched for age, sex, weight and smoking. Patients receiving anticoagulation were excluded. Using each individual's plasma coagulation protein composition, tissue factor-initiated thrombin generation was assessed computationally. ResultsCOPD patients had higher fII (115±16 vs 102±10%, p<0.0001), fV (114±19 vs 102±12%, p=0.0002), fVII (111±15 vs 102±17%, p=0.002), fVIII (170±34 vs 115±27%, p<0.0001), and fIX (119±21 vs 107±17%, p=0.003), and lower fTFPI (17.7±3.2 vs 18.9±3.2ng/ml, p=0.047) compared with controls, while fX, antithrombin, and PC were similar in both groups. Computational thrombin generation profiles showed that compared with controls, COPD patients had higher maximum thrombin levels (+28.3%, p<0.0001), rates of thrombin generation (+46.1%, p<0.0001) and total thrombin formation (+14.4%, p<0.001), together with shorter initiation phase of thrombin generation (p<0.0001) and the time to maximum thrombin levels (p<0.0001). Thrombin generation profiles in COPD patients can be normalized via correction of fII, fVIII , fIX and TFPI. The severity of COPD and inflammatory markers were not associated with thrombin generation profiles. ConclusionsProthrombotic phenotype in COPD patients is largely driven by increased prothrombin, fVIII, fIX, and lower fTFPI.

Thrombin generation in rheumatoid arthritis: Dependence on plasma factor composition

Growing evidence indicates that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk for thromboembolic cardiovascular events. We investigated thrombin generation profiles in RA patients and their dependence on plasma factor/inhibitor composition. Plasma factor (F) compositions (II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X), antithrombin and free tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) from 46 consecutive RA patients with no cardiovascular events (39 female, 7 male, aged 57 [range, 23-75] years; DAS28 [Disease Activity Score] 5.2 +/- 1.1) were compared with those obtained in age- and sex-matched apparently healthy controls. Using each individual's plasma coagulation protein composition, tissue factor-initiated thrombin generation was assessed both computationally and empirically. RA patients had higher fibrinogen (4.18 [IQR 1.09] vs. 2.56 [0.41] g/l, p<0.0001), FVIII (226 +/- 40 vs. 113 +/- 15%, p<0.001), PC (107 [16] vs. 100 [14]%, p<0.001), and free TFPI levels (22.3 [2.2] vs. 14.7 [2.1] ng/ml, p<0.001). DAS28, but not age, RA duration, or C-reactive protein, was associated with FV, FVIII, FIX, FX, antithrombin, and free TFPI (r from 0.27 to 0.48, p<0.05). Intergroup comparison of computational thrombin generation profiles showed that in RA patients, maximum thrombin levels (p=0.01) and the rate of thrombin formation (p<0.0001) were higher, whereas the initiation phase of thrombin generation (p<0.0001) and the time to maximum thrombin levels (p<0.0001) were longer. Empirical reconstructions of the populations reproduced the thrombin generation profiles generated by the computational model. Simulations of thrombin formation suggest that blood plasma composition, i.e. a marked increase in FVIII, somewhat counterbalanced by free TFPI, contributes to the prothrombotic phenotype in RA patients.

Effect of Argatroban versus Recombinant Hirudin on Tissue-Factor-Mediated Thrombin Generation: An in Vitro Study

Argatroban, a synthetic chemical compound, and recombinant hirudin (r-hirudin) are both direct thrombin inhibitors. Their actions are reversible and irreversible, respectively. We studied the influence of these two anticoagulants on the thrombin generation test using the method according to Hemker. For this investigation, a pool of citrated, platelet-poor, normal human plasma was supplemented with each drug at increasing concentrations. r-Hirudin had a dramatic influence on the initiation phase with almost no effect on the peak thrombin generated or the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP). In contrast, argatroban prolonged the initiation phase of thrombin generation and decreased the peak and ETP values. These differences are attributable to the irreversible and reversible binding to thrombin of these agents. This study reveals clear distinctions between the mechanisms of these two thrombin inhibitors.

Influence of bivalirudin on tissue factor-triggered coagulation

Bivalirudin, a synthetic analog of the carboxy-terminus of hirudin, is a reversible thrombin inhibitor used during coronary balloon angioplasty. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of bivalirudin on thrombin generation. Three in-vitro models (numerical simulations, synthetic coagulation proteome and whole blood) of contact pathway-independent blood coagulation triggered with tissue factor were used in this study. Increasing concentrations of bivalirudin prolong the initiation phase of thrombin generation in a concentration-dependent manner. At subpharmacologic bivalirudin concentrations (0.5-2 micromol/l), total thrombin generation was significantly increased. At a pharmacologic concentration (5 micromol/l), bivalirudin suppressed thrombin generation in the synthetic coagulation proteome; in numerical simulations and contact pathway-inhibited whole blood, no thrombin generation was detected over 1200-2000 s and platelet activation was inhibited by 80%. The addition of a pharmacologic concentration (9 micromol/l) of a naturally occurring protease inhibitor aprotinin in the presence of at least 0.5 micromol/l bivalirudin provided limited enhancement of the bivalirudin inhibitory effect. In conclusion, bivalirudin at pharmacologic concentrations is an efficient inhibitor of thrombin generation, platelet activation and clot formation, which acts not as a modulator but as an 'on-off' switch of blood coagulation.

Inactivation-Resistant Recombinant Factor VIII Exhibits Superior Thrombin Generation Capacity in Comparison to Wild-Type and B Domain-Deleted Factor VIII.

Activated factor VIII (FVIIIa) functions as a cofactor in the intrinsic hemostatic pathway leading to thrombin generation. Recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) has proven effective in replacement therapy for patients with hemophilia A (FVIII deficiency). The activity of FVIIIa in plasma is limited by both spontaneous dissociation of the A2 subunit and by cleavage by activated protein C (APC). Inactivation resistant FVIII (IR8) has been bioengineered to be resistant to both mechanisms of inactivation. The specific activity of purified IR8, as determined by one-stage clotting (aPTT) and two-stage chromogenic assays, was significantly higher (~7 to 20-fold) than that of wild-type (WT)-FVIII and B domain deleted (BDD)-FVIII. The specific activity was calculated based on ELISA antigen results and complemented by Western blots using commercial anti-FVIII antibodies. Since bioengineered IR8 may have altered immunoreactivity with anti-FVIII antibodies, an alternative functional assay was investigated to better characterize its potency. We evaluated WT-FVIII, BDD-FVIII and IR8 via the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram (CAT), a global assay of hemostasis, in platelet-free plasma (PPP) from 6 severe hemophilia A patients (<1 IU/dl FVIII) without inhibitors. The CAT test was chosen because of its ability to offer more valuable insight into the potential clinical value of IR8 than traditional clotting and chromogenic assays. Blood samples were taken into Corn trypsin inhibitor (CTI) to block contact activation and ensure that thrombin generation was triggered exclusively by tissue factor (TF) via the extrinsic hemostatic pathway. In an effort to demonstrate the dose dependency of each concentrate on its thrombin generating capacity, all 3 proteins were added to PPP along with a low TF concentration (1 pM) at varying FVIII activities (0, 25, 50 & 100 IU/dl). At each protein concentration, IR8 showed a significantly higher endogenous thrombin potential (ETP, the area under the thrombin generation curve) and peak height of the thrombin burst compared to either WT-FVIII or BDD-FVIII. The mean ETP values (nM*min) at 100 IU/dl, were WT-FVIII 650 and BDD-FVIII 725 (Mann Whitney test, p=0.69) and IR8 1107 (Mann Whitney test, p=0.04) with a mean ETP for FVIII <1% of 315 used as a control. Similar results were obtained in the presence of 1 nM thrombomodulin, which was added to sensitize the system to the action of APC. Consistent with the increased specific activity of IR8, the mean ETP of IR8 at 25 IU/dl was comparable to that of WT-FVIII at a concentration 4 times greater (100 IU/dl). Furthermore, no significant difference was found between the lag times of IR8 versus WT-FVIII and BDD-FVIII indicating that the advantage of IR8 does not lie in its ability to activate the initiation phase of thrombin generation, but rather in its persistent cofactor activity during the propagation phase of coagulation. These results are encouraging because the development of a rFVIII with markedly increased potency would potentially allow for reduced protein requirements in replacement therapy, thereby reducing costs and possibly decreasing inhibitor antibody development and would improve the efficacy of hemophilia A gene therapy without necessitating large improvements in genetic transfer strategies.

Recombinant factor VIIa partially reverses the inhibitory effect of fondaparinux on thrombin generation after tissue factor activation in platelet rich plasma and whole blood

Fondaparinux (Arixtra), a specific AT-dependent FXa inhibitor, is effective and safe in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism, but some major hemorrhagic events may occur. No specific antidote to fondaparinux has been proposed. Recombinant FVIIa (Novoseven) could be used as an haemostatic treatment, but this option has not been well documented. We studied the effect of rFVIIa (1 micro g/ml) on the inhibition of thrombin generation induced by fondaparinux (0.1 micro g/ml to 1 micro g/ml). Coagulation was triggered in platelet rich plasma (PRP) or in whole blood by recalcification in the presence of diluted thromboplastin. In PRP thrombin generation was assessed using the thrombinoscope assay. In whole blood, prothrombin activation was assessed by measuring the kinetics of F(1+2) formation using an ELISA assay. Fondaparinux at concentrations equal or greater than 0.5 micro g/ml prolonged the initiation phase of thrombin generation, and reduced the velocity of prothrombin activation. It also decreased by 60% the endogenous thrombin potential. In the presence of fondaparinux (0.5 micro g/ml to 1 micro g/ml) rFVIIa accelerated the initiation phase of thrombin generation, but it did not significantly increase the endogenous thrombin potential. However, rFVIIa did not completely reverse the inhibitory effect of fondaparinux on the parameters of thrombin generation and prothrombin activation. This study shows that rFVIIa accelerates thrombin generation, but does not completely reverse the inhibitory effect of fondaparinux on thrombin generation. The potential clinical use of rFVIIa as haemostatic treatment of major bleedings related to fondaparinux has to be evaluated.

The function of factor XI in tissue factor-initiated thrombin generation

The influence of plasma and platelet factor (F)XI on thrombin generation initiated with 10 pm tissue factor (TF) in a synthetic coagulation model was evaluated in the presence of either 2 x 108 mL-1 platelets or the equivalent (2 microm) phospholipids. In either system, with all proteins present at physiological concentrations, FXI (30 nm) had no effect on thrombin generation. With phospholipids in the absence of FXI, an increase in vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDP) (up to 500%) significantly prolonged the initiation phase of thrombin generation and decreased maximum thrombin levels. The inhibition was principally caused by the elevated prothrombin and FIX concentrations. When 30 nm FXI was added with elevated VKDP and phospholipids, the initiation phase was decreased and the maximum thrombin levels generated substantially increased. In experiments with platelets (with and without plasma FXI), an increase in VKDP had little effect on the initiation phase of thrombin generation. These data indicate that (i) FXI has no effect on thrombin generation at 10 pm TF and physiological concentrations of VKDP; (ii) platelets and plasma FXI are able to compensate for the inhibitory effects of elevated VKDP.

Roles of factor XI, platelets and tissue factor-initiated blood coagulation

Roles of factor XI, platelets and tissue factor-initiated blood coagulation

The regulation of the factor VII-dependent coagulation pathway: rationale for the effectiveness of recombinant factor VIIa in refractory bleeding disorders.

We have explored the molecular basis of the clinical therapeutic effect of factor VIIa in hemophilia A using empirical reconstituted in vitro thrombin generation models. Tissue factor acts as a receptor and activator of preexistent but virtually inactive two-chain plasma factor VIIa. However, most of the factor VII circulates as a single-chain inactive zymogen (10 nM) and a trace (approximately 10-100 pM) circulates in the active two-chain form. Empirical reconstitution (purified factors VIIa, X, IX, VIII, V, prothrombin, and relipidated tissue factor) showed that plasma concentrations of factor VII (10 nM) prolong the initiation phase of thrombin generation significantly at low concentrations of tissue factor and 100 pM factor VIIa. Thus, we show for the first time that the zymogen factor VII may have a very significant inhibitory action on thrombin generation at physiologic ratios of factor VII to factor VIIa. The inhibition kinetics of factor Xa generation by low concentrations of tissue factor indicate that factor VII inhibits the reaction by competition for the initial binding of factor VIIa to tissue factor. Physiological concentrations of factor VII also inhibit the maximal rate of thrombin generation by 100 pM factor VIIa in the absence of factor VIII. Increasing the concentration of factor VIIa to 2 nM in this hemophilia A model overcame the inhibition of thrombin generation by 10 nM factor VII. Increasing the concentration up to 10 nM factor VIIa in the absence of factor VIII completely normalized the thrombin generation profile to that observed in the presence of factor VIII and 10 nM factor VII/100 pM factor VIIa. The levels of factor VIIa that overcome the inhibitory effect of factor VII and that normalize thrombin generation in our model are consistent with the observed plasma levels of factor VIIa needed to manage hemophilia A. Our data strongly indicate that the therapeutic mechanism of factor VIIa in the medical treatment of hemophiliacs with inhibitors is in large part based on overcoming the inhibitory effect of factor VII on thrombin generation.

Regulation of Tissue Factor Initiated Thrombin Generation by the Stoichiometric Inhibitors Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor, Antithrombin-III, and Heparin Cofactor-II

The effects of the stoichiometric inhibitors tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), antithrombin-III (AT-III) and heparin cofactor-II (HC-II) on thrombin generation were evaluated in a reaction system composed of coagulation factors VIIa, X, IX, VIII, and V and prothrombin initiated by tissue factor (TF) and phospholipids. Initiation of the reaction in the absence of inhibitors resulted in explosive thrombin generation for factor VIIa.TF concentrations varying from 100 to 0.25 pM with the lag time or initiation phase of thrombin generation increasing from 0 to 180 s with decreasing factor VIIa.TF concentrations. During the propagation phase, prothrombin is quantitatively activated to 1.4 micro;M alpha-thrombin. At normal plasma concentration (2.5 nM) full-length recombinant TFPI prolonged the initiation phase of thrombin generation 2-fold, and the rate of thrombin generation in the propagation phase of the reaction was 25-50% that of the uninhibited reaction when the reaction was initiated with 1.25-20 pM factor VIIa.TF. Inhibition of the reaction by TFPI is associated with a delay in factor V activation. In the presence of TFPI no explosive thrombin generation was observed when factor VIII was omitted from reactions initiated by factor VIIa.TF concentrations </=20 pM. This indicates that in the presence of TFPI the factor IXa.factor VIIIa pathway becomes essential at low factor VIIa.TF concentrations. In the reconstituted system, AT-III (3.4 micro;M) did not prolong the initiation phase of thrombin generation when the reaction was initiated with 1.25 pM factor VIIa.TF, nor did AT-III delay factor V activation. The rate of thrombin formation in the presence of AT-III was reduced to 30% that of the uninhibited reaction, and the alpha-thrombin formed was rapidly inhibited subsequent to its generation. The addition of HC-II alone at its physiological concentration (1.38 micro;M) to the procoagulant mixture did not alter the rate or extent of thrombin generation. Subsequently, the thrombin formed was slowly inhibited by HC-II. The slow inactivation of thrombin by HC-II does not contribute to thrombin inhibition in the presence of AT-III. In contrast, the combination of physiological levels of AT-III and TFPI inhibited explosive thrombin generation initiated by 1.25 pM factor VIIa.TF completely. The absence of prothrombin consumption indicated that the combination of TFPI and AT-III is able to prevent the formation of prothrombinase activity at low factor VIIa.TF concentrations. The data indicate that TFPI potentiates the action of AT-III by decreasing the rate of formation and thus the amount of catalyst formed in the reaction, enabling AT-III to effectively scavenge the limited traces of factor IXa and factor Xa formed in the presence of TFPI. The initiation of thrombin generation by increasing factor VIIa.TF concentrations in the presence of physiological concentrations of TFPI and AT-III showed dramatic changes in the maximal rates of thrombin generation over small changes in initiator concentration. These data demonstrate that significant thrombin generation becomes a "threshold-limited" event with regard to the initiating factor VIIa.TF concentration in the presence of TFPI and AT-III.