Glycosaminoglycans

Question 1

Heparin

Answer 1

Natural Anticoagulant

fast‐acting, inhibition of
prothrombin to thrombin
(prevents aggregation)

heparin is abundant in granules of
mast cells that line blood vessels
release of heparin, in response to
injury, and subsequent entry into
the serum leads to an inhibition of
blood clotting

Question 2

Warfarin

Answer 2

Natural Anticoagulant

slower‐acting (than Heparin),
takes several days to take effect

synthetic analog of vitamin K

Question 3

Hyaluronan

Answer 3

Surgical Applications

-protects corneal endothelium
during ocular surgery

-intra‐articular injection of
hyaluronic acid: palliative effect
on patients with osteoarthritis

-anti‐adhesive properties help in
post‐surgical wound‐healing