Meaning of HEPARIN

Pronunciation:			'hepurin
WordNet Dictionary
	Definition:		[n]  a polysaccharide produced in basophils (especially in the lung and liver) and that inhibit the activity of thrombin in coagulation of the blood; heparin sodium (trade names Lipo-Hepin and Liquaemin) is used as an anticoagulant in the treatment of thrombosis
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	Synonyms:		Lipo-Hepin, Liquaemin
	See Also:		anticoagulant, anticoagulant medication, decoagulant, polyose, polysaccharide
Medical Dictionary
	Definition:		A substance that interferes with blood clotting.
Biology Dictionary
	Definition:		Heparin is a polysaccharide which blocks the formation of blood clots (acts as an anticoagulant) by attaching to the protein antiprothrombin III, a protein which plays an important role in the formation of blood clots. The polysaccharide is composed of D-glucosamine-2,6-disulfate and D-glucuronic acid-2-sulfate. It is used to treat thrombosis and embolisms.