Adsorption and reactivity of human prothrombin to artificial surfaces

Human prothrombin in Tyrode's solution, in mock plasma (albumin, fibrinogen, and IgG mixture), and in citrated plasma adsorbs to Cuprophane, polyvinylchloride, and polyacrylonitrile surfaces. The adsorption of prothrombin is maximal in Tyrode's solution and minimal in plasma. The surface concentrations of prothrombin are highest on polyacrylonitrile, second on polyvinylchloride, and lowest on Cuprophane at all prothrombin concentrations tested in the bulk solution. Qualitative tests show that prothrombin adsorbed to polyvinylchloride can be activated by Taipan snake venom to generate thrombin that clots fibrinogen. However, more quantitative tests indicate that only part of the adsorbed prothrombin on all three materials can be activated to form thrombin exhibiting amidolytic activity. The partial reactivity of adsorbed prothrombin is further confirmed by release of 125I-peptide from surface bound 125I-prothrombin after treatment with Australian Taipan snake venom. Prothrombin bound to Cuprophane seems to promote granulocyte adhesion, but has no effect on platelet adhesion.