Hementin
Encyclopedia
Hementin is an anticoagulant
protease
from the salivary gland
s of the giant Amazon leech
(Haementeria ghilianii
). Hementin dissolves a type of platelet rich blood clot which cannot be dissolved by other well used drugs like streptokinase and urokinase.
Anticoagulant
An anticoagulant is a substance that prevents coagulation of blood. A group of pharmaceuticals called anticoagulants can be used in vivo as a medication for thrombotic disorders. Some anticoagulants are used in medical equipment, such as test tubes, blood transfusion bags, and renal dialysis...
protease
Protease
A protease is any enzyme that conducts proteolysis, that is, begins protein catabolism by hydrolysis of the peptide bonds that link amino acids together in the polypeptide chain forming the protein....
from the salivary gland
Salivary gland
The salivary glands in mammals are exocrine glands, glands with ducts, that produce saliva. They also secrete amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into maltose...
s of the giant Amazon leech
Leech
Leeches are segmented worms that belong to the phylum Annelida and comprise the subclass Hirudinea. Like other oligochaetes such as earthworms, leeches share a clitellum and are hermaphrodites. Nevertheless, they differ from other oligochaetes in significant ways...
(Haementeria ghilianii
Haementeria ghilianii
Haementeria ghilianii, also known as the Giant Amazon Leech, is one the world's largest species of leech. It can grow to be 450 millimetres in length and 100 millimetres in width...
). Hementin dissolves a type of platelet rich blood clot which cannot be dissolved by other well used drugs like streptokinase and urokinase.