The effects of various doses and various applications of heparin on the fat metabolism and on blood coagulation.

Various effects of heparin were compared after intravenous infusion and after subcutaneous injection. Administration by the intravenous route causes a considerable amount of heparin to remain in circulation. A strong anticoagulant effect is thereby achieved, but also a diminution of the activity of antithrombin III, a decrease in platelet count and an increase in platelet aggregation. In addition, there is a considerable lipolytic effect. After subcutaneous injection heparin is mainly stored in the RES from where it is gradually released. This causes a much weaker effect on coagulation, on platelets, on antithrombin III and on lipid metabolism. The advantages and disadvantages of both routes of heparin administration are discussed.