THE ANTICOAGULANT ACTION OF POLYBRENE

Abstract

The anticoagulant action of the heparin antagonist Polybrene has been studied in vitro. Polybrene was found to interfere with the formation of intrinsic blood thromboplastin. On examination of the steps in the formation of thromboplastin, there was no interference with the production of the intermediate, product I. As this intermediate product is formed by the interaction of aluminium hydroxide adsorbed plasma, serum, and calcium, Polybrene does not appear to interfere with the interaction of factors VIII, IX, XI, or XII. It was noted, however, that the further reactions of product I with phospholipid were inhibited by this agent. It is suggested that the anticoagulant action of Polybrene is exerted at this point and is dependent on its capacity to neutralize the surface charge of the phospholipid particles.