Heparin and bleeding: an association with lipase release.

The effects of four sulphated polysaccharides on bleeding time and lipase release in rabbits have been compared. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) and pentosan polysulphate both gave significant prolongation of bleeding times and high lipase release. Low molecular weight heparin had reduced effects on bleeding time and lipase release, while dermatan sulphate had no influence on either parameter. There was a highly significant correlation (r = 0.97) between these two measurements. These results suggest that the same structural features influence both the haemorrhagic and lipase-releasing properties of sulphated polysaccharides.