EFFECT OF LOW-DOSE HEPARIN ON PHAGOCYTIC AND CATABOLIC FUNCTION OF RETICULOENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM IN MAN DURING SURGERY

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  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 65  (6) , 376-381
Abstract
The effect of s.c. low-dose heparin prophylaxis on the phagocytic and catabolic functions of the RES was studied in 10 patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 5 patients receiving 5000 units of heparin preoperatively and every 12 h following the operation and 5 patients given saline at the corresponding time. Each patient served as his own control, when the RES function was tested twice with microaggregated human serum albumin labeled with 125I as a test substance. There was an enhanced phagocytic activity and a correspondingly raised catabolic activity of the RES in patients treated with heparin. The reasons for this were discussed. Heparin in low doses appeared to have a favorable effect on the RES. [Peroperative thromboembolism is discussed.].