Heparin-like activity in uterine fluid. Issue 6133 (29th July 1978)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Foley, M E; Griffin, B D; Zuzel, M; Aparicio, S R; Bradbury, K; Bird, C C; Clayton, J K; Jenkins, D M; Scott, J S; Rajah, S M; McNichol, G P
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 2:Issue 6133(1978)
• Page Start: 322
• Page End: 324
• Publication Date: 1978-07-29
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.2.6133.322
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Uterine fluid was collected from a group of normal patients and a group of patients with menorrhagia. Heparin-like activity was detected in 34 out of 38 samples using an anti-Xa heparin assay. The heparin-like activity in uterine fluid was inhibited by adding the heparin antagonist hexadimethrine bromide to the assay. Concentrations of fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products (FDPs) were measured in five samples of uterine fluid. FDPs in the concentration detected had no effect on the anti-Xa assay. Heparin-like activity was higher in the group with menorrhagia, although the differences were not significant. Heparin-like activity increased throughout the menstrual cycle and decreased during menstruation, suggesting a possible cyclical variation in activity. There was no correlation between mast cell numbers in the endometrium and myometrium and heparin-like activity in uterine fluid and no correlation between the numbers and the stage in the menstrual cycle. In a few patients with intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) heparin-like activity was increased.