HIT

Prevention

Heparin

 

Biochemistry

 

Naturally occurring anticoagulant

- mixture of sulphated mucopolysaccharide chains

- heterogenous molecular weights

- average ~ 15 000 daltons

 

Found in granules of mast cells

- mast cells have IgE receptors on surface

- discharge when IgE-coated antigens bind to receptors

- mediate allergic reactions

 

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