Thrombin is a key clot promoter. It is an enzyme that presides over the conversion of a fibrinogen to fibrin. The coagulation cascade, is a series of proenzyme-enzyme conversions. Coagulation starts when a vessel is wounded. A vessel is wrapped in a layer that is full of cells containing Tissue Factor (TF). After injury, TF is exposed to blood, it binds with factor VIIa to form the first enzyme: TF:VIIa. This activates factor X to Xa, which in turn forms thrombin. Antithrombin III is a protein that regulates and prevents blood clotting. Antithrombin III is a potent inhibitor of the coagulation cascade. It is a non–vitamin K-dependent protease that inhibits the action of thrombin as well as other procoagulant factors (eg, factor Xa). Antithrombin’s activity is markedly potentiated by heparin. Potentiation of its activity is the principle mechanism by which both heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin produce anticoagulation.
Storage and Stability:T5045-65A and T5045-65B: Store at -20°C. T5045-65C: Store at 4°C. Kit components stable for 12 months under proper storage and handling.
