On the antithrombogenic action of low molecular weight heparins and of chondroitins A, B and C.

Hemorheological studies were made on surface layers of solutions of highly purified human fibrinogen, to which low molecular weight (LMW) heparins, as well as chondroitins A, B and C were added. The surface viscous (eta's) and elastic (Gs) moduli of these fibrinogen systems were measured with a modified Weissenberg Rheogoniometer. Our findings show that n's and Gs of these heparin-fibrinogen and chondroitin-fibrinogen surface systems were markedly decreased as compared to the fibrinogen control. Heparin of MW 4400 exhibited about 30 per cent decrease, while heparins of MW 5300 and 5900 had decreases of approximately 75 per cent in n's and Gs. The three chondroitins A, B and C were found to reduce the n's and Gs by about 40 per cent. The surface layers of fibrinogen, which are surface gels, constitute the clotting of fibrinogen without thrombin participation. Such so-called 'fibrinogenin' formation is considered by Copley to initiate thrombosis. The LMW heparins and the chondroitins tested, which we found to inhibit fibrinogen formation, may therefore be expected to act as antithrombotic agents. Thus, LMW heparins and chondroitins A, B and C may play important roles in the prevention of thrombosis.