Summary
Three mucopolysaccharides (MPS) used in the treatment of degenerative joint disease
were compared to heparin to establish their relative potencies on 3 coagulation tests,
the aPTT, the antifactor X a activity and the dilute thrombin time. One of the compounds,
Arteparon®, was one fourth as potent as heparin on the aPTT, but had little or no influence
on the 2 other tests. Further in vitro studies suggested that Arteparon® acted at a higher level than factor Xa generation in the intrinsic amplification
system and that its effect was independent of antithrombin III. In vivo administration
of Arteparon® confirmed its anticoagulant properties, which raises the question of the clinical
use of this MPS.
Keywords
Heparin - Other mucopolysaccharides - Anticoagulation - Mode of action
