The antithrombotic and anticoagulant effects of a synthetic tripeptide and recombinant hirudin in various animal models.

The pharmacologic activities of two thrombin inhibitors (D-MePhe-Pro-Arg-H, recombinant-hirudin) were compared in two animal models. The antithrombotic effect was investigated in vivo in rabbits using a modified Wessler stasis thrombosis model. During these experiments, blood was drawn for ex vivo testing to determine the coagulation profile and to determine plasma concentrations using pre-constructed calibration curves. A dose-dependent antithrombotic effect was observed for both agents. On an equigravimetric basis (100 micrograms/kg i.v.), r-hirudin showed a stronger antithrombotic effect than the tripeptide, which correlated well with the ex vivo anticoagulant effect. No adverse reactions were observed during this study. In a rabbit ear bleeding model, a dose and time dependent hemorrhagic effect was observed for both agents. Only slight bleeding effects were observed at 1.0 mg/kg dosages. These studies show that the tripeptide D-MePhe-Pro-Arg-H and r-hirudin are specific thrombin inhibitors with potent antithrombotic effects and a high therapeutic (antithrombotic/hemorrhagic) index. Furthermore, the results of these two animal models and ex vivo analyses can be used to determine the therapeutic index of thrombin inhibitors.