[Spatial aspects of the dynamics of blood coagulation. I. Hypothesis].

General physical requirements concerning spatial development of a clot as well as modern biochemical kinetic data on blood coagulation system have been analyzed. The hypothesis assuming an autowave mechanism of blood clotting process is proposed. It is suggested that the thrombin autowave propagates in blood starting from the site of vessel injury. Behind the front of this wave the conditions necessary for appearance of the anticoagulation autowave (which inhibits the clotting process) are being created. The second wave starts later and propagates with greater speed catching up the first one at the definite distance; the clotting process is stopped at this moment. The crucial experiment to verify the hypothesis is proposed.