Thrombomodulin Biology and potential cardiovascular applications
1Department of Medicine, Durham VAMC USA; Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA.
Thrombomodulin on endothelial surfaces is the major cofactor for the activation of the anticoagulant protein C by thrombin. Recent studies of the structure and regulation of thrombomodulin provide important clues as to its mechanism of action. These studies should enable the rational use of thrombomodulin as a therapeutic agent to inhibit coagulation either by infusion of thrombomodulin or its derivatives, or by pharmacologic alteration of cellular levels.
Thrombomodulin on endothelial surfaces is the major cofactor for the activation of the anticoagulant protein C by thrombin. Recent studies of the structure and regulation of thrombomodulin provide important clues as to its mechanism of action. These studies should enable the rational use of thrombomodulin as a therapeutic agent to inhibit coagulation either by infusion of thrombomodulin or its derivatives, or by pharmacologic alteration of cellular levels.
Related Concept Videos
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis
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...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Regulation of the Cardiovascular System
The regulation of the cardiovascular system involves the autonomic nervous system (ANS), baroreceptors, and chemoreceptors, ensuring that heart rate and blood pressure are appropriately modulated in response to varying physiological demands.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system enhances...

