hirudin
Quick Summary
Hirudin is an anticoagulant substance extracted from the buccal glands of the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis). This natural polypeptide inhibits thrombin, an enzyme crucial for blood clotting.12
Historically, leeching was a common practice for bloodletting. Today, it is occasionally used in medicine, particularly after reattachment surgeries or tissue grafts, to restore blood flow and prevent congestion by promoting continued bleeding from the site. Hirudin has also been produced commercially through genetic engineering.2
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leechThe anticoagulant hirudin, which is extracted from the body tissues of the European medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis), is used to prevent blood clots following surgery; another chemical isolated from Amazonian leeches is used to dissolve existing blood clots.
Read MoreThe anticoagulant hirudin, which is extracted from the body tissues of the European medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis), is used to prevent blood clots following surgery; another chemical isolated from Amazonian leeches is used to dissolve existing blood clots.
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leechingOne of these substances is hirudin, a naturally occurring polypeptide that inhibits the actions of thrombin, one of the enzymes that facilitates blood clotting. This powerful anticoagulant, first identified in 1884 but not isolated in purified form until the 1950s, is primarily responsible for the extensive bleeding that results from…
Read MoreOne of these substances is hirudin, a naturally occurring polypeptide that inhibits the actions of thrombin, one of the enzymes that facilitates blood clotting. This powerful anticoagulant, first identified in 1884 but not isolated in purified form until the 1950s, is primarily responsible for the extensive bleeding that results from…
Read More