The mechanism of anticoagulant activity of a novel heparinoid sulfated glucoside-bearing polymer.

In our previous study on glycoside polymer, it was discovered that sulfated poly(glucosyloxyethyl methacrylate) [poly(GEMA)-sulfate], which bears sulfated D-(+)-glucose, exhibited anticoagulant activity. The anticoagulant activity of poly(GEMA)-sulfate in solution was prolonged by increasing the dose or degree of sulfation of the polymer. In this study, to recognize the mechanism of anticoagulant activity of poly(GEMA)-sulfate, we estimated the binding capacity of antithrombin III to thrombin and some in vitro clotting tests in the presence of poly(GEMA)-sulfate. These results revealed that poly(GEMA)-sulfate had an anticoagulant mechanism which differed to that of heparin. We concluded that the anticoagulant activity of poly(GEMA)-sulfate is responsible for inhibiting fibrin network formation by the insoluble ion complex between fibrinogen and poly(GEMA)-sulfate.