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Oral heparin results in the appearance of heparin fragments in the plasma of rats

Journal Article · · Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.; (United States)

We have previously shown that angiogenesis inhibition and tumor regression can be accomplished by combinations of heparin or heparin fragments with cortisone. Oral heparin was also effective in combination with cortisone. We now show that a single oral dose of (/sup 35/S)heparin or (/sup 3/H)heparin (15,000 units/kg) results in continuous release of radioactive material into the bloodstream for at least 12 hr. This is associated with the presence of anti-factor Xa activity at a level of approximately equal to 0.1 unit/ml. The radioactive material is identified as oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides by its behavior in chromatographic systems, its possession of anti-factor Xa activity, and the effect of treatment with bacterial heparinase. The heparin fragments are extensively metabolized to fragments without anti-factor Xa activity that are readily subject to urinary excretion.

Research Organization:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
OSTI ID:
5578508
Journal Information:
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.; (United States), Journal Name: Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.; (United States) Vol. 9; ISSN PNASA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English