摘要 |
<p>A protein isolated from crude extracts of Hirudo medicinalis is disclosed, which strongly inhibits the binding to collagen of platelets and their subsequent activation, which leads to platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Additionally the protein prevents binding of von Willebrand factor to collagen. Described is a method for isolation and purification of the protein as well as its use for blocking collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. The new protein (Brandinin) has a mol weight of approximately 15 kD, binds to collagen but has no collagen-cleaving activity. The protein is useful in the prophylaxis, prevention and treatment of thrombotic diseases and for coating of blood-contacting materials, rendering them thromboresistant.</p> |