HEPARIN - PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIALS FROM ATHEROSCLEROSIS TO ASTHMA

1. Heparin belongs to a family of polysaccharide species, whose best k nown property is, undoubtedly, anticoagulant activity. However, hepari n has many other pharmacological effects, particularly on the cardiova scular system. 2. The therapeutic use of chronically inhaled heparin h as been suggested as prophylaxis in atherosclerosis. 3. Heparin, physi ologically stored in mast cells of the respiratory system, has also be en recently studied in the prevention of immunological and non-immunol ogical asthmatic attacks. 4. Experimental findings and new hypotheses of heparin action in asthma and atherosclerosis are discussed.