Antithrombotic activity of a synthetic heparin pentasaccharide in a rabbit stasis thrombosis model using different thrombogenic challenges.

A synthetic pentasaccharide, representing the critical sequence required in heparin for binding to antithrombin III (AT III), produces strong anti-factor Xa activity in vitro in the presence of AT III and is devoid of any activity directed towards thrombin. This pentasaccharide provides a unique tool to study the question of whether an agent capable of inhibiting factor Xa but devoid of anti-factor IIa activity in vitro, has the capacity to produce an antithrombotic effect in vivo. We have previously demonstrated in a rabbit stasis thrombosis model using a human serum challenge, a significant antithrombotic effect of the pentasaccharide. This finding and discrepancies with some earlier reports on the antithrombotic actions of other oligosaccharide fragments, led us to extend these studies. Four modifications of the stasis thrombosis model were developed using the following thrombogenic challenges selected for their specified induction sites of thrombosis, thromboplastin, an activated prothrombin complex concentrate, a non-activated prothrombin complex concentrate administered simultaneously with Russell's viper venom, and factor Xa. Dose-dependent antithrombotic responses were obtained in all four systems with ED50 values between 25-43 ug/kg for pentasaccharide as compared to 16-47 ug/kg for heparin. Complete inhibition of induced thrombosis was obtained in all four systems for pentasaccharide. Ex vivo analysis revealed expected anti-factor Xa levels but no anti-factor IIa activity. It is concluded that an oligosaccharide with high anti-factor Xa activity and devoid of anti-factor IIa activity is capable of inhibiting thrombosis induced in rabbit stasis models, but that higher dosages than heparin are required for this effect.