Characterization of a new potent heparin. 6th communication: The comparison of the anticoagulant effect of the sodium and calcium salts of a new potent heparin after s.c. injection in beagle dogs.

The anticoagulant effect of the sodium and the calcium salts of a new potent heparin was compared in beagle dogs following a single s.c. injection. The determinations of whole-blood clotting time, activated partial thromboplastin time and plasma heparin levels using the amidolytic assay 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h post injection revealed that the calcium salt was just slightly more active than the sodium salt of heparin. The influence of the molecular composition in particular the inorganic ion content associated with heparin on the anticoagulation activity achieved after subcutaneous injection, is discussed.