In: Anatomy and Physiology
If person is receiving an anticoagulant, such as heparin for 7 days due to heart disease complicated by acute myocardial infarction what changes in his coagulation process can be expected? What factor will be inhibited
Heparin is anticogulant which is injected directly into the vein. Heparin bind to a protease enzyme antihrombin III which causes a conformational change resulting in its activation through an increase in the flexibility of its reactive site loop. This activated antithrombin III enzyme forms a complex with thrombin (factor IIa), IXa, Xa and IXa and thus neutralizes the enzymatic activity of these factors responsible for coagulation of blood. Thrombin is responsible for conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin which is responsible for coagulation of blood with the aid of many other clotting factors. Thus, if a person is receiving heparin for 7 days, his blood coagulation process will be inhibited.