Antithrombin III (often just called antithrombin) is one of the body's most important natural anticoagulants. Think of it as a 'brake' on the clotting system to prevent excessive clot formation. Its main job is to inhibit several key enzymes in the coagulation cascade, most importantly thrombin (Factor IIa) and Factor Xa. It works like a sponge, mopping up and neutralizing these activated clotting factors. Its activity is dramatically increased (by about 1000-fold) when it binds to heparin, which is why heparin is used as an anticoagulant drug. A deficiency in antithrombin III, which can be inherited or acquired, puts a person at a significantly higher risk of developing abnormal blood clots (thrombosis).

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Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies