Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Rapid Point-of-Care Assay of Enoxaparin Anticoagulant Efficacy in Whole Blood
Published on: October 12, 2012
Anticoagulant activity of captopril
Arthur S Brecher1, Sarah J Murrey, Kelly D Gray
1Department of Chemistry, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403, USA. artbrec@bgnet.bgsu.edu
The antihypertensive drug captopril, and other agents, can affect blood clotting. Captopril prolongs clotting times by altering thrombin and fibrinogen structure, suggesting a novel anticoagulant mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
Background:
- Antihypertensive drugs can influence hemostasis.
- Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor with a thiol group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anticoagulant effects of captopril.
- To elucidate the mechanism of captopril's anticoagulant activity.
Main Methods:
- Assays for prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) using plasma.
- Thrombin clotting assays and thrombin-fibrinogen interaction studies.
- Evaluation of lisinopril and polylysine effects on clotting.
Main Results:
- Captopril prolonged PT and APTT in a dose-dependent manner.
- Captopril directly affected thrombin and fibrinogen activity, suggesting structural alterations.
- Lisinopril and polylysine also demonstrated anticoagulant properties through different mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Captopril exhibits anticoagulant effects potentially via thiol-disulfide exchange, impacting thrombin and fibrinogen.
- These findings suggest a novel mechanism for captopril's action beyond ACE inhibition.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these anticoagulant properties.
Related Concept Videos
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors
Dose-Response Relationship: Potency and Efficacy
Time Course of Drug Effect

