[Effect of non-fractionated and low-molecular heparin on the functional state of mast cells]

The state of the mast-cell population of rats treated with unfractionated and low-molecular weight heparins under stress conditions has been comparatively studied by the morphometrical assay. The stress was produced by 60 min immobilization followed by intravenous injection of unfractionated (UF) or low-molecular weight (LMW) heparin. The stress-induced heparin release from mast cells resulted in a 3.3-fold decrease of the index of saturation with heparin and in a significant increase of granulolysis and degranulation. The mast cell secretory status reached the preinjection level within 20 min in rats with UF heparin injected (15 unit/200 g). At the same time mast cells of rats with LMW heparin have no such ability. The data obtained indicate that LMW heparin in contrast to UF heparin cannot be accumulated (or accumulated very slowly) by mast cells. This fact as well as low affinity of LMW heparin to endothelium and blood platelets promote its preservation in blood for a long time.