Rat Antithrombin III ELISA Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Antithrombin III (AT III) also known simply as antithrombin is a serine protease inhibitor with a mass around 58 kDa. It plays work in regulating blood coagulation by inactivating enzymes involved in the clotting process such as thrombin and factor Xa. The antithrombin is mainly produced in the liver and is found in the blood plasma. Its presence ensures a balance in coagulation preventing excessive clotting while allowing necessary hemostatic processes to occur.

Biological function summary

Antithrombin III acts as a natural anticoagulant by forming a complex with its target serine proteases. It is essential in controlling thrombin to prevent abnormal clots. The protein belongs to the serpin family known for their inhibitory functions which stabilize and regulate different physiological processes particularly in response to injury. Its activity is enhanced by heparin a glycosaminoglycan which increases its affinity for proteases.

Pathways

Antithrombin III is fundamentally integrated within the coagulation cascade and fibrinolytic pathway. The coagulation cascade is important for hemostasis maintaining blood fluidity and repairing vascular injury. Within this framework antithrombin III interacts closely with thrombin limiting the formation of fibrin clots. It relates closely to proteins like plasmin which serves in dissolving clots helping to maintain vascular health by balancing clot formation and breakdown.

Associated diseases and disorders

Antithrombin III deficiency has been associated with thrombophilia a condition where patients are predisposed to thrombotic events like deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This deficiency can arise due to genetic mutations or acquired conditions leading to reduced inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa. Reduced antithrombin levels can also relate to protein disorders affecting liver synthesis including cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome where protein loss occurs further disturbing coagulation processes.